The Minister of Health, Juan Carlos Velasco, announced on April 16 five priority actions to be carried out in the first 100 days of his administration. These measures aim to improve access to medicines, enhance disease care, and strengthen prevention efforts across the country.
Velasco said an international tender for oncology medicines will be launched to ensure nationwide supply. The process will involve oversight from the Comptroller General’s Office from the beginning in order to reduce corruption risks and guarantee quality drugs at lower costs. “Today, after 25 years we are conducting an international tender for the benefit of cancer patients; we cannot allow our brothers and sisters to become impoverished,” Velasco said.
As part of a prevention policy, Velasco also announced plans for acquiring vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), focusing on protecting children, older adults, and vulnerable populations. He further reported that Peru’s national vaccination schedule would be updated after five years by incorporating new scientific evidence and expanding coverage throughout all stages of life.
A new model of care for rare, orphaned, and high-cost diseases is set to be implemented within 30 days through a supreme decree. This model aims for a more agile and empathetic approach by reducing approval times for health technologies from up to 180 days currently.
The minister outlined increased investment in healthcare infrastructure using Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Works for Taxes mechanisms. He highlighted progress such as the High Complexity Hospital project in Piura (level III-1), which began formal construction work in March with a planned execution period of 36 months under government-to-government cooperation. The project is prioritized under Peru’s National Infrastructure Plan for 2026–2030 with guaranteed multi-year funding.
Velasco emphasized that tuberculosis remains a national health priority. Measures like introducing a six-month shortened treatment are being implemented to improve patient adherence and reduce disease transmission.
“Guaranteeing medicines, improving care, preventing diseases, and expanding access to quality services,” Velasco said as he reaffirmed his commitment that these actions mark the start of an integrated strategy focused on efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centered results.
