Pharmaceutical procurement and pricing.
For over a decade, Latin American countries have engaged in efforts to reduce the price of high-cost medications, whether through joint price negotiations or pooled procurement at the regional and, in some cases, national level. In public health emergencies such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)'s Strategic Fund is also often utilised to make emergency public sector acquisitions of medications and strategic health supplies, as they do not have to have the cash on hand, but can get what amounts to a short-term, interest-free loan.
Difficulties in regional cooperation may further complicate the fight against COVID-19.
The USMCA may strengthen pushback on pharmaceutical costs.
Healthcare costs will continue to drive frictions in countries such as Chile.
