Santo Domingo.- He Essential Medicines Program and Logistics Support Center (PROMESE/CAL) commemorated its 40th anniversary by highlighting two of its main achievements in the last four years, a historic expansion of the Network of People’s Pharmacies and robust institutional strengthening.
At a flag-raising ceremony held at the institution’s main headquarters, its general director, Adolfo Pérez, explained that the opening of one hundred new Farmacias del Pueblo during the administration of President Luis Abinader has been one of its largest expansions in its history in such a short time, bringing them to a total of 644 establishments nationwide.
“This expansion represents a substantial improvement in access to essential medicines, benefiting more than 5 million Dominicans each month. Prices at Farmacias del Pueblo remain significantly lower than at commercial pharmacies, providing crucial relief for Dominican families, easing the financial burden of health care.
Institutional strengthening and transparent management
In parallel, PROMESE/CAL has strengthened its institutional structure to ensure more transparent and efficient management. From August 2020 to July 2024, the institution carried out 958 purchasing processes for medicines and supplies, all in accordance with the Public Procurement and Contracting Law 340-06.
This approach has enabled contract management that, in the indicated period, totaled RD$37,462,161,181.80 and a consolidated relationship with more than 400 suppliers, highlighting a firm commitment to transparency and accountability.
Pérez stressed that the combination of these achievements represents a significant advance in public health management. The expansion of the People’s Pharmacies not only increases access to medicines, but also ensures that citizens can benefit from affordable prices. Institutional strengthening ensures more efficient management of resources, which has a positive impact on the quality of the public health system.
With these advances, PROMESE/CAL not only celebrates four decades of service, but also lays the foundation for a healthier and more equitable future. The institution remains focused on improving access to medicines and strengthening public trust, reaffirming its commitment to the health and well-being of all Dominicans.
The event was also attended by the deputy directors Luis Lizardo, Andrea Difó, Carlos Padilla and Gilberto Santana, as well as directors, managers and collaborators of the institution.
About PROMESE/CAL
The Essential Medication Program and Logistics Support Center (PROMESE/CAL) is the only central supply center for medications, medical supplies and laboratory reagents for the National Health Service hospital network. It also dispenses outpatient pharmaceuticals through its network of People’s Pharmacies, located throughout the country, which benefit more than 4.5 million Dominicans every month. For more information
