Abstract

In Colombia, the National Institute for the Surveillance of Medicines and Food (INVIMA) is the leading national and regional authority on health matters. Throughout its history, one of the barriers it has faced, and one that it continues to prioritise, has been the lengthy processing times for regulatory applications. Consequently, INVIMA, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, is spearheading regulatory initiatives aimed at streamlining procedures, in accordance with the right to health. Furthermore, partnerships have been established, processes automated, and INVIMA’s structure and funding re-engineered. This is in line with the four-year institutional plan that INVIMA intends to implement in order to strengthen the institution, drive innovation and protect public health.

This article highlights the strategies and opportunities for improvement that INVIMA has been implementing to reduce barriers in procedures.