Will expensive rare medications become cheaper in Ukraine? Here's Lяшко's response.

In Ukraine, there are plans to lower prices not only on popular medications but also on rare ones, making them more accessible.

As reported by RBK-Ukraine, this was announced by the Minister of Health of Ukraine, Viktor Lyashko, during a telethon.

The Minister was asked whether the price reduction would apply to rare and expensive medications.

"We want this to happen. Therefore, we are monitoring if the markup in pharmacies exceeds what we discussed; if so, it will be regulated. However, there will be separate procedures for innovative original medications, as it is essential to ensure their availability," Lyashko responded.

He clarified that pharmacies typically sell a majority of generic drugs, which are equivalents of original medications whose patents have expired.

"Generic medications should not cost as much as the originals; they need to be significantly cheaper. This is why regulation in this market is being strengthened," emphasized the Minister of Health.

Price Reduction on Medications

Recall that earlier, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighted the issue of excessively high medication prices in Ukraine. This matter was discussed during a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council.

During the NSDC meeting, a decision was made to reduce medication prices in Ukraine starting March 1.

The NSDC initiative includes a cap on markups for pharmacies.