Economy

The Ministry of Health has announced the list of medicines that will become cheaper on March 1

Starting March 1, 2025, pharmacy prices for certain groups of medicines will drop by an average of 30%. The list of drugs that will become cheaper was published by the Ministry of Health on February 19, Komersant ukrainskyi reports.

The top 100 most popular drugs, i.e. those most often bought by Ukrainians, according to analytical data, include 20 items produced by Darnitsa Pharmaceutical Company, 17 items by Farmak, 22 items by Kyiv Vitamin Plant, 5 items by Kusum Pharm, 6 items by Yuria-Pharm, 8 items by Arterium Corporation, 2 items by Viola Pharmaceutical Factory, 3 items by Borshchahivskiy Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plant, and 10 items by InterChem.

Prices for medicines will fall in Ukraine: what you need to know

Starting from March 1, 2025, measures aimed at a significant reduction in the prices of medicines will come into force in Ukraine. This decision is the result of joint efforts of the government, pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy chains aimed at increasing the availability of medicines to the public.

Lower prices for popular medicines

Ukrainian pharmaceutical companies have signed a declaration on reducing and stabilizing prices for medicines. According to this document, starting from March 1, selling prices for 100 most popular domestic drugs will be reduced by 30%. The list includes medicines that, according to analytical data, are most often purchased by Ukrainians. Among them:

• medicines for coughs and colds;
• antihistamines
• anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic drugs;
• vitamins and minerals;
• drugs for lowering blood pressure;
• anti-ulcer drugs;
• sedatives;
• eye drops and nasal sprays.

State price regulation

In addition to the manufacturers’ initiative, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 168 aimed at stabilizing prices for medicines. According to this document, starting from March 1 , the maximum trade (retail) markups for OTC drugs will be set at no more than 35% of the purchase price. Regressive markups are introduced for prescription drugs:

• up to UAH 100 – no more than 25%;
• from UAH 100 to UAH 500 – no more than 20%;
• over UAH 1000 – no more than 10%.

In addition, the maximum supply and distribution markups for distributors are limited to no more than 8%. These measures are aimed at ensuring transparent pricing and preventing unreasonable overpricing of medicines.

Ban on marketing services

Starting from March 1, a ban on the provision of marketing services related to the promotion of medicines will be introduced until the Cabinet of Ministers develops clear rules for the reference of wholesale prices and marketing. This means that pharmacies will not be able to receive additional payments from manufacturers for the promotion of certain drugs, which should help reduce the final cost of medicines for consumers.

Control over compliance with the pricing policy

To ensure compliance with the new pricing regulations, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP) is resuming inspections of pharmacies and distributors. The purpose of these inspections is to control the correctness of the formation and application of prices for medicines in accordance with the restrictions established by the state.

Market reaction and possible consequences

The introduction of the new price restrictions has caused a variety of reactions among pharmaceutical market participants. Some experts are concerned that strict regulation may lead to shortages of certain drugs or lower quality due to reduced profits of manufacturers and distributors. Others believe that these measures are necessary to protect consumers and ensure the availability of essential medicines.

Overall, the reduction of drug prices starting from March 1, 2025 is a comprehensive initiative that combines the efforts of the state and business to improve the availability of medicines for the population of Ukraine. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on their implementation in practice and the ability of all market participants to adapt to the new conditions.