The authorities are considering a draft resolution that could significantly change the rules for selling drugs on the Internet. According to the document, online booking of medicines will be allowed only on the websites of specific pharmacies, prohibiting the use of popular marketplaces to compare prices and choose the most favorable offers.
About this it is said in the draft resolution of the CMU.
This decision caused a wave of criticism from patient organizations and the public.
Experts warn about possible negative consequences, such as:
- Rising drug prices: Limiting competition can lead to market monopolization by large drug chains and higher prices.
- Difficulty accessing medicines: Pensioners and people with disabilities, who actively use online services to find and book medicines, will be particularly affected.
- Reduction of discounts: Pharmacies may withdraw the discounts they provide for online bookings through marketplaces.
- Civil society organizations call on the government to abandon this idea and find alternative ways of regulating the online sale of medicines that would take into account the interests of all parties. They suggest focusing on ensuring transparency of prices and information about medicines, protecting consumer rights and supporting the development of user-friendly online services.
Currently, the draft resolution is at the discussion stage. The final decision on its adoption has not yet been made.
