Ukraine has expanded the list of medicines included in the state program “Affordable Medicines”
Twelve more drug names have been added to the list of drugs included in the state reimbursement program “Available Drugs”. This means that patients can obtain them in pharmacies free of charge or with a partial co-payment by electronic prescription within the framework of the Medical Guarantees Program.
The list includes 12 additional drugs for the treatment of oncological diseases, in particular breast cancer. Among them are drugs with the active ingredients exemestane, letrozole, and tamoxifen.
Now these drugs are moving from the centralized procurement system to the pharmacy network – they will be available under the reimbursement program. This solution is systemic in nature and is aimed at ensuring stable, convenient and predictable access to medicines for patients with breast cancer. Since the treatment of such diseases lasts for years, the ability to receive medicines close to home, without dependence on hospital supplies, increases the continuity of therapy and the quality of life of patients.
The transition to the reimbursement model also makes it possible to optimize the public procurement system: centralized funds will focus on the purchase of expensive and high-tech medicines, and long-term treatment regimens will be transferred to the pharmacy reimbursement format, as in EU countries. A transitional period is provided: healthcare institutions will continue to use existing stocks of centrally purchased medicines until they are completely exhausted.
The algorithm for obtaining “Affordable Medicines” remains unchanged: you need to contact a doctor (general practitioner, pediatrician or family doctor) with whom you have concluded a declaration to receive an electronic prescription. Then you should come to the pharmacy marked “Here are Affordable Medicines” and get the drug free of charge or with a partial co-payment – the rest of the cost will be compensated by the state.
As a reminder, from July 1, 2025, every pharmaceutical institution must be connected to the “Affordable Medicines” program through an agreement with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU).
