Guatemalan Congress Considers Eliminating VAT on Medicines to Lower Costs

Guatemalan legislators from various political parties have proposed a bill to eliminate the 12% Value Added Tax (VAT) on medicines nationwide. The initiative aims to reduce medicine prices and establish state-run pharmacies across the country to improve access for all Guatemalans. The bill, presented to the Legislative Directorate, includes a Q100 million fund to support the creation of state pharmacies and a registry of medicine prices accessible to consumers. Proponents argue the measure is necessary due to the current economic challenges faced by Guatemalan families and the high cost of healthcare. Congresswoman Alexándra Ajcip emphasized that access to medicines has become too expensive, leading to unacceptable situations, especially in rural areas. Congressman Edín de Jesús Mejía highlighted the importance of making healthcare more accessible by lowering medicine prices, noting that healthcare costs are a significant part of the basic family budget.