The government has simplified the requirements for pharmacies in rural areas and frontline areas
Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine passed changes to the Licensing conditions for carrying out economic activities in the field of circulation of medicinal products. These changes are aimed at improving access to medicines in rural areas and in frontline areas, where there is a shortage of pharmacies and professional staff in the field of pharmacy.
The decision was made after consultations with representatives of the pharmaceutical business and takes into account the current challenges in which the health care system functions. One of the main innovations was the simplification of requirements for the staff of pharmacies located in villages and districts affected by hostilities. From now on, the positions of the head or his deputy can be held by persons with a professional junior bachelor’s degree in the specialty “Pharmacy” without work experience.
The employment of specialists with an education in the field of “Nursing” is also allowed, provided that they have a certificate in pharmaceutical activity, which allows for the retail trade of medicines. In other territories, the personnel requirements remain unchanged: a master’s degree in pharmacy and at least two years of experience, or a professional junior bachelor’s qualification for pharmacy store managers.
“The lack of proper access to pharmacies in rural areas is a serious challenge for the health care system, because access to medicines must be equal for everyone, regardless of where they live. The Ministry of Health continues to work to change the situation. We have already simplified the requirements for premises, now for personnel, and also provided for flexible conditions for pharmacies working in front-line areas.
At the same time, we also support alternative solutions — the delivery of medicines through Ukrposhta, mobile pharmacies, the possibility of selling medicines in pharmacies. Having pharmacies in rural areas is not just about business, it is about basic justice and caring for people. We thank the business for the constructive dialogue and willingness to take responsibility – because medicine is not just a product, it is a matter of life and health.”, — emphasized the Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Lyashko.
In addition, taking into account the danger of shelling in the front-line areas, the procedure for pharmacies that have suffered minor damage that does not affect the safety of storing medicines has been regulated. Such institutions will be able to continue their activities for up to three months without the risk of losing their license while carrying out repairs at the same time.
