The Ministry of Health confirmed today that it will absorb the National Cancer Institute (INC) with the aim of eliminating task duplication, strengthening control over actions, and ensuring compliance with its functions, including programs, access to medications, and treatments.
Following a series of evaluations carried out at the INC, significant logistical issues were identified, such as the delivery of medications close to their expiration date, inefficient purchases, and duplicate structures. Among the observed duplications is the Cancer Epidemiological Surveillance and Reporting System, whose functions are already under the responsibility of the Undersecretary of Epidemiological Surveillance, as well as the National Control and Prevention Programs for different types of cancer, responsibilities that are included in the functions of the National Directorate of Comprehensive Management of Non-Communicable Diseases.
Additionally, serious deficiencies in the procurement of medications, which did not adjust to changes in demand, were detected. The Ministry of Health stated that this action will not interrupt the continuity of any program that the National Cancer Institute was ensuring, but rather represents an administrative change aimed at improving its effectiveness.
