CADE has launched an investigation into the sector of medical-pharmaceutical products

The Administrative Council for Economic Defence (CADE) launched on 18 March preparatory proceedings for an administrative investigation on the sector of medical-pharmaceutical products. The decision was taken due to the high demand for these products in view of the need for emergency care caused by an increase in COVID-19 cases in Brazil.

In the order that started the investigation, it was decided it is necessary to investigate if health companies are increasing prices and profits arbitrarily and abusively, in which case it is important to ensure that such abuses, if proved, are punished based on Law 12259/2011.

Companies from the health sector such as hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, suppliers and manufacturers of drugs used to treat symptoms of COVID-19, surgical masks, and hand sanitizers will receive an official letter requesting they present, within 10 days, sales invoices of these products.

The preparatory proceedings 08700.001354/2020-48 are public and can be followed at this link.