There has started the process of gradual reduction of prices for medicines from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes type II and asthma that will last until April 2017, when the program of reimbursement of the cost of drugs is due to be launched.

Pursuant to the decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers aimed to increase availability of medicines for the citizens, starting February 2017, economic entities that deal with production, wholesale and retail trade of medicines from cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and asthma, have cut drug prices on average by 15-30%. The next stage of reduction of prices for these medicines is expected in March. Thus, the prices of medicines in Ukraine will be gradually reduced to harmonize with the level of drug prices in the neighbouring countries (reference countries).

Given the significant stock of drugs in pharmacy networks, the Government took a decision to extend the sale of the remaining medicines at old prices until 1 April 2017. New consignments of drugs delivered to pharmacies from February 1 will be sold at new reduced prices.

Gradual price declines is aimed to ensure comfortable transition to the government regulation of prices for medicines and the introduction of the programme of reimbursement of their cost, to avoid shortages of medications and inconvenience to citizens.