Original article: Farmacias Populares de Valparaíso congelan por 6 meses los precios de sus 20 medicamentos más vendidos

Valparaíso’s Popular Pharmacies Freeze Prices on Top 20 Medications for 6 Months

In a significant move to ease the financial burden on families, especially those who allocate a large portion of their income to purchasing medications, Valparaíso’s Mayor Camila Nieto announced today that the prices of the 20 best-selling medicines at the city’s Popular Pharmacies will remain frozen for the next six months.

The initiative, which is already in effect, includes essential medications for treating various health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, thrombosis prevention, cardiovascular diseases, depression, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and prostate enlargement, among others.

«It is crucial to take care of our community, especially given the national context, the decisions of authorities, and budget cuts that also affect public investment, employment, and the ability of residents to make ends meet. In this context, we must act responsibly with the resources we have, and this is a concrete action,» stated the city leader.

Marlen Orrego, a representative from Valparaíso’s Local Health Councils and part of Unco Salud, expressed that «the situation we are facing is complex, and we believe this support offered by the municipality will be very beneficial in achieving a degree of balance in access to healthcare here in Valparaíso.»

Moreover, local residents who frequently purchase their treatments at these pharmacies have highlighted the savings this alternative represents.

Raquel Andaur noted, «I save a lot on the medications I use; they cost half of what they do at other pharmacies. It’s very convenient. I’ve been enrolled in this pharmacy for years, and I love it.»

Additionally, Adriana Mounier pointed out, «I have to buy very expensive medications, and I always come here. With the current prices, this is fantastic.»

Among the 20 medications included in this initiative are Losartan 50 mg at $750; Paracetamol 500 mg at $600; Pregabalin 75 mg at $4,190; Amlodipine 5 mg at $900; Rivaroxaban 20 mg at $3,100; Metformin 850 mg at $1,200; Escitalopram 10 mg at $1,790; and Omeprazole 20 mg at $1,200.

The list also features medications such as Celecoxib, Tamsulosin, Bisoprolol, Diclofenac, Zopiclone, Rosuvastatin, Atorvastatin, Tramadol/Paracetamol, Vitamin B Complex, Tamsulosin/Dutasteride, and Oxybutynin, all of which will maintain their prices unchanged during the specified period.

List of Medications and Frozen Prices

Medications with Frozen Prices and Recommended Uses

• Losartan, Amlodipine, Bisoprolol: Hypertension
• Rosuvastatin, Atorvastatin: Dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, or high triglycerides
• Rivaroxaban: Thrombosis and stroke prevention
• Metformin: Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
• Diclofenac, Celecoxib: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory processes.
• Pregabalin, Vitamin B Complex: Chronic neuropathic pain.
• Paracetamol, Tramadol/Paracetamol: Acute pain, moderate to severe pain, and fever.
• Escitalopram: Major depression and various anxiety disorders.
• Zopiclone: Insomnia and sleep cycle disturbances.
• Tamsulosin, Tamsulosin/Dutasteride: Benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate enlargement.
• Oxybutynin: Overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
• Omeprazole: Gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and peptic ulcers.