Pursuant to the decision of the National Security and Defence Council, the Government has approved a number of measures to reduce the cost of medicines, ensure their transparent pricing and proper competition. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a session of the Cabinet of Ministers on 14 February.

"Prices for medicines, which have increased significantly over the past three years, will be reduced in March. At the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the National Security and Defence Council endorsed measures aimed at reducing the prices of medicines for our citizens. In particular, Ukrainian manufacturers will cut selling prices for 100 most popular medicines by 30% starting from 1 March," the Prime Minister stressed.

According to Denys Shmyhal, the regulations being launched by the Government include limiting the maximum trade margin for pharmacies to no more than 35% for over-the-counter drugs and a regressive scale for prescription drugs. Suppliers will be permitted to add no more than 8% to the wholesale price, depending on the cost of the drug.

"At the same time, we will intensify control over the availability of medicines in hospitals. Patients should receive medicines in hospitals free of charge. The state pays for this as part of the medical guarantee programme," he stressed.

Denys Shmyhal also highlighted that as part of the Winter Support initiative, the Affordable Medicines programme had been expanded at a record level, with more than UAH 6 billion allocated in the budget. The updated programme includes more than 30 new active substances.

"All this will allow at least 500,000 more Ukrainians to save money on treatment. The next update is planned for summer," said Denys Shmyhal.

In addition, the Government is working to improve the distribution of medicines. In particular, Ukrposhta delivers medicines free of charge across the country, and mobile pharmacies are now operating in 650 settlements that lack stationary pharmacies.

The Prime Minister also stressed that starting from July this year, all pharmacies would be obliged to enter into an agreement with the NHSU and sell medicines under the Affordable Medicines programme.