Guatemala Healthcare Medicines and Supplies

On April 8, 2024, the Guatemalan Ministry of Health and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) announced an agreement for UNOPS to provide public procurement support and oversight and use of UNOPS’ Global Marketplace procurement database for the Guatemalan Ministry of Health.  The agreement aims to improve access to medicines and supplies within the country´s health system. UNOPS has a strong track record of supporting the procurement of medicines and medical supplies in several Latin American countries, including Guatemala.

This agreement, valued at US$900 million and extending over a period of four years, was signed on May 2, 2024 by President Bernardo Arévalo. It will support public procurement for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, thereby helping to foster competition and transparency in pricing and the public procurement processes.  Interested parties can access available tenders at: https://www.ungm.org/

In addition to pharmaceutical and medical equipment procurements, UNOPS will also support and implement road infrastructure projects and the construction of six hospitals throughout the country.

For the past several months, Guatemala has been experiencing a hospital crisis due to shortages of medicine and equipment across various establishments, attributed to budgetary shortfalls leftover from the previous administration.  However, this agreement presents a significant opportunity for U.S. companies to provide  medicines and medical supplies to Guatemala’s public health system through a trusted procurement vehicle.  

For more information, please contact Karla Salas at karla.salas@trade.gov