The government introduces price control on medicines: pharmacies expect fines for overpricing

Price Control on Medicines in Ukraine

According to Главком: The Ukrainian government is introducing price control on medicines, instructing the Ministry of Health and the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control to monitor prices in pharmacies. In the case of violations in markups, pharmacies may be fined. This decision is aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring the availability of medications.

Effective Monitoring and Innovations

For effective price monitoring, the government has defined a list of medicines that will be under constant control. Pharmacies located in hospitals are required to sell only those medicines that have the three lowest prices. This innovation aims to reduce instances of price gouging on medications, which can negatively affect patients.

Moreover, the government has made changes to licensing conditions for the retail sale of over-the-counter medicines in gas station premises, which is also expected to contribute to price control. At the same time, Roman Isayenko has been dismissed from the position of Head of the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control.

As noted by Deputy Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, 'to ensure effective control, a list of medicines will be defined, which the Ministry of Health, together with the State Service, will constantly monitor prices in pharmacies.'

The introduction of price control on medicines is an important step in ensuring the availability of medical products for the population, especially in conditions of economic instability. Changes in licensing conditions for pharmacies and restrictions on markups can reduce speculation risks and increase consumer trust. An important part of this process will be the effective implementation of new regulations, which will require close cooperation between state structures and pharmacies.