Initiative between the business sector and the social security suppliers in Guatemala

70 representatives of companies and officials participated in the 1st session held on December 11, 2020

Strengthening the dialog between providers of social security goods and services is essential to improve the quality of care for rights-holders and citizens. For these reasons, an Expanded Technical Table has been established between entrepreneurs, trade guilds, suppliers, UNOPS and guests, within the framework of fair and equitable governance in Guatemala.

Last December 11, 2020, the first session of the Expanded Technical Table was held among the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) suppliers. The virtual event was attended by 70 participants, including independent businessmen, pharmaceutical products, and hospital supply guilds of the Chamber of Industry (CIG), senior IGSS officials and UNOPS specialists.

The installation of the first session of the Technical Table was carried out by UNOPS Portfolio Manager in Guatemala Architect Esau Beltran, the presidents and vice-presidents of the Pharmaceutical Products and Hospital Supply Guild; directors and deputy managers of Social Security departments, as well as UNOPS specialists.

The issue addressed at the 1st session of the Technical Table was on payments and deliveries of medicines, supplies and equipment. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IGSS reception, distribution and supply system has undergone adjustments in order to

face the challenge of continuing to care for patients and facing the public calamity.

“The first session of the Technical Table was very important because the issue of payments and delays is fundamental for any businessman. A key aspect was to explain the process between the IGSS operating units, how the warehouses work and the reception time for deliveries. In the session, we talked with companies about situations that could lead to delays and bottlenecks to identify joint solutions. I would like to mention that during the last years we have delivered 552 million doses of medicines nationwide. Seventy-nine million and more than 2,200 pieces of equipment were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, for the IGSS hospitals, thanks to the commitment of the suppliers, the IGSS and the United Nations”, explained Andrea Calvaruso, Director of UNOPS in Guatemala.

The Expanded Technical Table emerged on request of the providers of the Social Security that belong to the pharmaceutical and hospital supply guild and individual businessmen. The Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce (CCG) has also joined the initiative through the Guilds of Pharmaceutical and Equipment Importers as a result of the call. In addition, different departments of the Guatemalan Social Security Institute and the United Nations through UNOPS are interested and giving their support.

The MTA works under a virtual sessions methodology (2 sessions per month), where UNOPS experts and guests clear any doubts or concerns to suppliers on topics agreed to previously in a participatory way, to identify synergies, opportunities and strengthen the bonds between the private sector and specialized health services. The sessions have been programmed until March 2021.

Public-private partnerships have been promoted in the priority development aspects of the country within the framework of the approach for Fair and Equitable Public Management, led by UNOPS, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The participation of businessmen helps to ensure favorable conditions for the promotion of competition, clear and transparent rules for companies with the desire to conduct business with the State and integrate international quality standards.