Promese/CAL to Distribute 34 Million Drug Units to Dominican Pharmacies

The Dominican Republic's essential medicines program, Promese/CAL, announced it will distribute 34 million units of acetaminophen and omeprazole this week to its network of Farmacias del Pueblo, following public complaints about drug shortages. Source: Listín Diario

The agency stated that 19 million units of 500 mg acetaminophen and 15 million units of 20 mg omeprazole will be allocated based on each pharmacy's needs. Source: Hoy Promese/CAL also reported holding stockpiles of hypertension and diabetes medications, including over 10 million units of enalapril and 55,054 units of NPH insulin, with estimated coverage of 4 to 7.8 months. Source: Listín Diario

Discrepancies and Context

While Promese/CAL asserts daily distribution, Listín Diario reported that users at several pharmacies—including those at Ciudad Sanitaria Luis Eduardo Aybar and Hospital Dr. Darío Contreras—could not find amoxicillin, acetaminophen, or insulin. Source: Listín Diario The agency acknowledged that central warehouse inventories do not guarantee immediate availability at specific locations, as demand and monthly replenishment cycles vary. Source: El Día

Logistics and Investment

To bolster supply, Promese/CAL has launched two national public tenders in 2026 totaling RD$3,736 million for medicines and supplies, and added ten new trucks to its fleet, now 24 vehicles serving 654 Farmacias del Pueblo nationwide. Source: Diario Libre