Uruguay's Health Ministry Appeals Ruling to Provide High-Cost Cancer Drugs to Virologist

The Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health (MSP) finds itself in a difficult position, compelled to appeal a court decision that mandates the provision of expensive medication to renowned virologist Gonzalo Moratorio for his brain tumor treatment. While acknowledging the emotional weight and sympathizing with Moratorio's health struggle, the ministry maintains a firm institutional stance: no exceptions can be made.

This decision aligns with the MSP's long-standing policy in similar legal challenges, known as 'amparos.' The ministry emphasizes that Moratorio's case will be handled identically to the thousands of other patients who sought legal recourse last year and the hundreds who have done so this year. This commitment to equal treatment, the ministry argues, is crucial for fairness and resource management within the public health system.

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The decision that has been made in the Moratorio case, although it pains us emotionally and we share his fight for his health, is that institutionally the MSP cannot make exceptions of any kind.

Despite the impending appeal, the court's initial ruling requires the MSP to deliver the Nivolumab and Relatlimab medication, marketed as Opdualag, within 24 hours. This treatment, an immunotherapy costing approximately US$30,000 per month, must be supplied until the appellate court reviews the case. While appellate courts often uphold initial rulings, the outcome remains uncertain.

The MSP's defense initially centered on the medication not being registered for commercial sale in Uruguay and questioning the financial standing of the applicant. However, the court's ruling highlighted that the ministry did not dispute Moratorio's diagnosis, the suitability of the prescribed medication, the urgency of his need, or the high cost. Crucially, the court noted that evidence showed Moratorio had already received the medication, and his condition had stabilized, strongly indicating its necessity in his specific case.

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We will provide the same treatment as with the 2,000 patients who sued last year and the hundreds who have filed amparos so far in 2026.