Analysis of the economic and social impact of extortion in Mexican pharmacies
A detailed investigation of the reports presented by the National Union of Pharmacy Entrepreneurs (Unefarm) reveals a critical panorama for the private health sector in Mexico. According to Juvenal Becerra Orozco, leader of the union, the collection of extortion from independent establishments has generated accumulated economic losses that are close to 50 million pesos so far this year. This figure, described by the representative as an estimate due to the irregular and multifactorial nature of the crime, underlines the magnitude of a security problem that has intensified significantly.
The analysis of the data provided indicates a 50% increase in crime incidence since January 2025, with a clear geographic epicenter in the Iztapalapa mayor’s office, in Mexico City, and in suburban municipalities of the State of Mexico such as Chalco, Valle de Chalco and Los Reyes La Paz. The variability in the amounts demanded by extortion groups is significant, ranging between 10,000 and 500,000 pesos, a range that depends on factors such as geographical location and the size of the commercial establishment.
This criminal pressure has forced owners to implement emerging protection measures, among which are the adjustment of public service hours and the hiring of private security services, which represents an additional operating cost. It is crucial to contextualize that, although states such as Michoacán, Guerrero and Tamaulipas faced serious problems the previous year, dialogue with authorities and Unefarm support programs achieved a substantial reduction in incidents in those entities, demonstrating that institutional coordination can yield positive results.
The shortage of medicines and its link with the irregular market
Parallel to the security crisis, Unefarm has documented an alarming situation in the area of availability of medical supplies. According to the figures presented, 40% of the medications consumed in the country are of irregular origin, which represents an increase of 10% compared to the 2024 statistics. This growth of the illicit market is directly linked to the chronic shortage of drugs in public health sector institutions.
The factors behind this phenomenon are complex and multi-causal. On the one hand, the progressive aging of the population increases the demand for treatments for chronic-degenerative diseases. On the other hand, growing digitalization has facilitated the emergence of an escalation of websites and profiles on social networks that market medicines without any type of health regulation, taking advantage of the desperation of patients. Given the lack of supplies in hospitals and government clinics, independent pharmacies are trying to meet the demand, striving to maintain supply and affordable prices so that patients can continue their therapies.
However, the wake-up call is forceful. Becerra Orozco severely warned about the risks of acquiring medications through unauthorized channels, such as street markets, uncertified stores or irregular digital platforms. The main attraction of these points of sale – notably lower prices – is, in turn, their greatest danger, since the products can be cloned drugs, with altered packaging or, in the worst case, counterfeit substances that do not contain the necessary active ingredients or that may be contaminated.
To minimize risks, the expert recommendation is to thoroughly verify each product. This includes a detailed inspection of the color and typography of the packaging, the clarity of the information on the primary and secondary packaging, and the validation of crucial data such as the batch number, the expiration date, the health registration granted by COFEPRIS and the identification of the manufacturing laboratory. The conclusion is unequivocal: putting health in the hands of an illegal market not only compromises the effectiveness of the treatment, but also represents a direct threat to life.
This analysis shows the interconnection between two crises: the insecurity that economically weakens pharmacies and the shortage that drives a black market for medicines. Both problems require comprehensive and coordinated strategies between private initiative and government authorities to protect both the viability of businesses and the health of the population.
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