Overview
The Bolivian Constitution guarantees public access to medicines and prioritizes domestic production of generic drugs. Each geographic department in Bolivia is responsible for its own procurement. Departments often buy large quantities of equipment and supplies at once and often favor U.S. products. Several departmental governments are in the process of investing substantial resources to their third-tier hospitals long overdue for expansion and updates. Bolivia permits the importation of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. There is virtually no local production of medical devices and products, so importation of those products is necessary. Bolivia produces a limited number of pharmaceutical products, mainly for domestic consumption. U.S. firms should note that Bolivia does not have a law prohibiting brand infringement or other forms of copycat registration of pharmaceutical products. Firms may experience difficulties protecting their intellectual property rights and should not expect chemical information to remain confidential (see additional information on intellectual property protection in the “Protection of Property Rights” section). Non-communicable diseases are a threat to Bolivian health. During the COVID-19 pandemic municipality-run first and second tier hospitals have procured more medical devices like ventilators and oxygen therapy equipment.
|
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
*2022 estimated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total Local Production |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Total Exports |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Total Imports |
328.5 |
363.3 |
359.7 |
N/A |
|
Imports from the U.S. |
37.1 |
41.7 |
37.9 |
N/A |
|
Total Market Size |
328.5 |
363.3 |
359.7 |
N/A |
|
Exchange Rates |
6.86 |
6.86 |
6.86 |
|
*Bolivian government does not provide estimates.
(Total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports) Units: USD
Source: National Statistics Bureau (INE)
Leading Sub-Sectors
Pharmaceutical products, lab supplies, and medical devices are leading sub-sectors. There is an increasing demand for hemodialysis equipment, breast cancer scanners and equipment, and equipment to detect and treat cervical cancer. With Bolivia continuing to experience various waves of COVID-19, a need for ventilators, oxygen therapy equipment, and other related medical supplies and equipment is expected.
Opportunities
The health budget increased from $363 million in 2005 to $3.2 billion in 2021, the largest allocation of resources the health sector has ever recorded. The health budget prioritizes construction projects, equipment, and improvement of its facilities, including medical posts and hospitals. The budget also allocates resources for the Universal Health System (SUS) and the implementation of programs for pandemic care. The government has designated $333 million to the Ministry of Health and to the Health Infrastructure and Medical Equipment Agency (AISEM) for national investment projects, including the construction of, and improvements to, level 1-4 hospitals. Tenders for medical equipment and devices can be found on the AISEM website, as well as on the State Contracts System (SICOES) website.
Resources
Bolivian guide to register medical devices https://www.agemed.gob.bo/reg-far/doc_reg_far/T-N-11-RM-0909-RSANITARIO.pdf (In Spanish)
Health Ministry https://www.minsalud.gob.bo
National Statistics Bureau (INE) https://www.ine.gob.bo/
Health Infrastructure and Medical Equipment Agency (AISEM) https://aisem.gob.bo/
State Contracts System (SICOES) https://www.sicoes.gob.bo/portal/index.php
Cámara Nacional de Comercio https://www.cnc.bo/
Agencia Estatal de Medicamentos y Tecnologías en Salud (AGEMED) https://www.agemed.gob.bo/