Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – A growing crisis is unfolding within the Dominican Republic’s public healthcare system, as pharmacists report critically low wages, precarious working conditions and a concerning shortage of essential medications at government-run “Farmacias del Pueblo” (People’s Pharmacies). The Asociación Farmacéutica Dominicana (Dominican Pharmaceutical Association) voiced these concerns this Tuesday, adding to mounting pressure on the government to address systemic issues impacting access to healthcare.
The association is urgently seeking a meeting with José Luis López Pérez, director of the Programa de Medicamentos Esenciales y Central de Apoyo Logístico (PROMESE/CAL), to discuss the deteriorating situation. The concerns extend beyond financial hardship to encompass infrastructure deficiencies and staffing shortages, potentially compromising the quality and availability of vital medicines for the Dominican population. The situation highlights the challenges facing public health infrastructure and the critical role pharmacists play in ensuring equitable access to pharmaceutical care.
Pharmacist Salaries Lag Behind Agreements
One of the most pressing issues is the disparity between current salaries and previously agreed-upon compensation levels. According to Yagreisy Pérez, president of the Asociación Farmacéutica Dominicana, supervising pharmacists employed by PROMESE/CAL currently earn just RD$26,000 (approximately $467 USD as of March 11, 2026) per month, despite many having over 15 years of service. José Luis López Pérez was appointed director of PROMESE/CAL in September 2025, tasked with improving the efficiency of the medication supply chain.
Pérez stated that agreements reached in 2023 stipulated a salary scale of RD$60,000 to RD$65,000 (approximately $1,076 – $1,167 USD) for this role, a commitment that remains unfulfilled. Since December 2025, these supervisors have reportedly lost their fuel allowance, previously provided through tickets to facilitate work-related travel, forcing them to cover these expenses personally. This financial strain adds to the existing burden of low wages.
Deteriorating Infrastructure and Medicine Shortages
Beyond wages, the association is calling for urgent renovations to several Farmacias del Pueblo, citing issues such as leaks, inadequate investment, broken furniture, and malfunctioning air conditioning systems. These deficiencies, according to Pérez, threaten the thermal stability required for proper medication storage, potentially compromising drug quality. The association likewise advocates for the implementation of seniority-based pay increases for all pharmacists working within the public health system.
The situation is compounded by a reported increase in demand for essential medicines, particularly those used to treat flu and alleviate pain. Pharmacists are reporting shortages of critical medications, including aspirin, certain antibiotics, and anti-hypertensive drugs, leading to complaints from the public. While the association does not have internal data on the supply chain, they are seeking clarification from PROMESE/CAL regarding the causes of these shortages and a timeline for resolution. Reports indicate the shortages have been ongoing since at least March 10, 2026.
Staffing Concerns and Questionable Appointments
The association also highlighted a shortage of qualified personnel, noting the recent retirement of approximately 35 pharmacists from both Farmacias del Pueblo and the broader public health system. Concerns were raised regarding auxiliary pharmacists who have completed university studies being required to perform duties typically reserved for licensed pharmacists without receiving appropriate designation or compensation. A particularly contentious issue is the appointment of a professional with a background in accounting to the position of Director of Technical Pharmacy at PROMESE/CAL, a role Pérez argues requires a pharmacy degree due to the specialized technical knowledge involved.
The Asociación Farmacéutica Dominicana has reportedly attempted to meet with Director López Pérez on at least three occasions without success. They have formally requested a meeting to discuss their concerns and the medication supply issues, warning that further action may be taken if a response is not received within approximately one week. “First we desire to exhaust dialogue and be heard, but we are prepared to build our voice heard if there is no response,” Pérez stated.
The situation at Farmacias del Pueblo underscores the necessitate for sustained investment in the Dominican Republic’s public health infrastructure and a commitment to fair compensation and professional development for pharmacists. The coming weeks will be critical as the association awaits a response from PROMESE/CAL and assesses the potential for further action. Continued monitoring of medication availability and working conditions will be essential to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Dominicans.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health concerns and should not be considered medical or professional advice. If you have health concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
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