Mexico: IMSS seizes labs’ equipment over price-fixing ruling

The Mexican Social Security Institute has moved to seize property and equipment from the Eli Lilly, Baxter, Fresenius Kabi, Pisa, Probiomed and Cryopharma medical laboratories. The companies have been involved in a price-fixing scheme, costing the IMSS over $660 million pesos (US $ 37.4 million) in excess charges.

“Fortunately we have been able to seize assets from several of the companies. Obviously, this has nothing to do with a subjective issue, this is in litigation, and we are guaranteeing the patrimony of the IMSS because, as established by COFECE and the Supreme Court, it was an absolute monopolistic practice “said IMSS director Mikel Arreola.

In April 2015, the Supreme Court upheld COFECE’s resolution against the pharmaceutical companies for manipulating IMSS tenders in the purchase of insulin and serums, causing a rise of up to 57.6% in prices. Since the ruling, the IMSS expects pharmacists to make reparations. The seizures seek to ensure that the laboratories comply with payment of the fines.

Full Content: El Universal

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