Ukrainians have expanded access to available medicines: 12 new drugs for breast cancer

The Minister of Health Viktor Lyashko announced that 12 new drugs for the fight against breast cancer have been added to the 'Available Medicines' program. They can now be obtained at pharmacies for free or with a small co-payment.

'The updated list includes drugs with active substances: exemestane, letrozole, and tamoxifen. Previously, these drugs were purchased centrally. The transition to a reimbursement model allows for the optimization of the system: centralized purchases focus on expensive and high-tech drugs, while long treatment schemes move to the European logic of pharmacy compensation,' said Lyashko.

For convenience, a transitional period has been introduced during which healthcare facilities continue to use the remaining stocks of previously purchased drugs until they are exhausted.

Stable access and a higher quality of life for patients

Minister Lyashko emphasized that this decision will provide thousands of patients with stable access to necessary drugs. Breast cancer treatment, which can last for years, becomes more comfortable thanks to the possibility of receiving medications near home, without dependence on supplies and availability in specific hospitals.

Algorithm for obtaining 'Available Medicines'

• Contact the doctor with whom a declaration has been signed and receive an electronic prescription.
• Visit a pharmacy marked 'Here are Available Medicines'.
• Receive medications for free or with a co-payment according to the e-prescription.

The expansion of the 'Available Medicines' program with new drugs for the treatment of breast cancer allows patients to obtain necessary medications effectively and affordably, contributing to an increase in the quality and convenience of treatment.