← Back to the earthquake file

Health and aid

Health Ministry sets rules for medicine donations after the earthquake

Editorial illustration for “Health Ministry sets rules for medicine donations after the earthquake”
Illustration éditoriale En Colombie

Updated August 16, 2026 at 4:05 a.m. Colombia time

Colombia’s Health Ministry asked people on August 15 not to donate or hand over medicines directly on their own initiative. It calls for the use of official health channels.

No direct handover

The recommendation concerns spontaneous donations and individual distribution. It does not say all medical assistance is prohibited.

Sensitive products

Receipt, storage, quality control and distribution must comply with health rules.

Professional supervision

The ministry says these operations must be supervised by health personnel.

A precise request and list

Medicines should go to health authorities or authorised official institutions only when expressly requested through a defined list.

Sources and transparency