Uruguay Adds 12 New Medications to National Therapeutic Formulary to Lower Patient Costs

Expanding Access to Essential Medications Without Capital Increases

The updated formulary additions roll out progressively across September, October, and November 2026. President Orsi stated during a press conference that the medications were incorporated without increasing health provider capitation payments, noting that existing resources and provider cooperation are sufficient to absorb the changes. Approaching the 20th anniversary of Uruguay’s Integrated National Health System, Orsi emphasized that expanding medical access remains a priority, as new technologies require a powerful investment to ensure the State and providers meet future demands.

Minister Cristina Lustemberg reported that the updates directly impact thousands of citizens, noting that roughly two-thirds of the population receives care through collective medical assistance institutions, alongside those served by the state health provider ASSE. Conaiamc President Alfredo Torres confirmed that collective medical providers will absorb the acquisition costs, ensuring patients pay only the designated moderate ticket fee.

Treatments for COPD, Smoking Cessation, and Diabetes

Among the primary additions is tiotropio, an inhaled maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to Minister Lustemberg, COPD affects nearly 20% of the country’s adult population, encompassing an estimated 300,000 individuals, with smoking serving as a primary risk factor. With its inclusion in the FTM, the patient cost for tiotropio drops from approximately 6,000 pesos to roughly 300 pesos per prescription.

To address smoking rates that still affect 18% of adults and contribute to roughly 18 deaths daily, the formulary now covers nicotine replacement therapies, including patches and gum. These items will be available across all care levels and can be prescribed by general practitioners and specialists alike.

The MSP also added gliflozinas (SGLT2 inhibitors) for the management of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Diabetes affects 6% to 8% of the general population and over 20% of adults older than 70, while heart failure affects 2% of the general population and 10% of those over 70. Chronic kidney disease impacts 10% of adults, with about 3,000 patients requiring advanced renal replacement therapies like dialysis. The addition of gliflozinas aims to curb disease progression, reduce hospitalizations, and lower mortality rates.

Endometriosis Care, Maternal Health, and Pediatric Anesthesia

The medication dienogest is now included in the FTM for the treatment of endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting one in nine women in Uruguay. Aligned with national endometriosis legislation, the inclusion aims to mitigate chronic pain and fertility complications. Additionally, the formulary incorporates topical anesthetics for pediatric procedures such as suturing and lumbar punctures, specialized medications for pregnancy-related hypertension, treatments for hepatitis B, and antibiotics designated for severe and intrahospital infections.