On February 14, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to limit the maximum trade margin for pharmacies to no more than 35% for over-the-counter drugs, and to establish a regressive scale for prescription drugs. Suppliers will be able to add no more than 8% to the wholesale price, depending on the cost of the medicine. About this reported Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
“Limiting the maximum trade markup for pharmacies — no more than 35% for over-the-counter drugs and a regressive scale for prescription drugs. Suppliers will be able to add no more than 8% to the wholesale price, depending on the cost of the drug.” – says the message.
Control over the availability of medicines in hospitals will also be strengthened.
“Patients should receive medicine in hospitals free of charge”, Shmyhal emphasized.
Within the framework of the “Winter Support” initiative, a record expansion of the “Affordable Medicines” program is foreseen, for which more than 6 billion hryvnias have been allocated in the budget. The government also plans to improve the territorial availability of medicines. “Ukrposhta” will deliver drugs for free throughout the country, including mobile pharmacies. From July 2025, all pharmacies will be obliged to conclude a contract with the National Health Service and to dispense drugs within the framework of the “Affordable Medicines” program.
We will remind that on February 13, during the meeting of the National Security Council, measures aimed at lowering the prices of medicines were approved. In particular, Ukrainian manufacturers will reduce the selling prices of the 100 most popular drugs by 30% as of March 1.
