Ukraine has adopted an initiative that could significantly affect the prices of medicines. The largest pharmacy retailers have signed the Declaration on the Availability of Medicines , which envisages reducing the cost of medicines at all levels - from the manufacturer to the end consumer.
According to the Pharmacy Professional Association of Ukraine (APAU) , market participants have pledged to reduce dispensing, wholesale and retail prices to make medicines more affordable for Ukrainians. Manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies should act synchronously, applying proportional discounts.
What does the Declaration provide?
The signatories made a number of commitments:
Manufacturers will reduce prices for registered medicines compared to the level on January 1, 2025.
Distributors will reduce their mark-ups accordingly, maintaining the balance of the price chain.
Pharmacies are obliged to proportionally reduce retail prices for medicines obtained at a discount.
The parties also pledged not to allow hidden price increases or artificial shortages of medicines .
Who has already joined?
At this moment, the following have joined the initiative:
“Pharmacy 9-1-1”
“We Wish You Health”
“Pharmacy ANTs”
“Pharmacy Good Day”
“Pharmacy Podorozhnik”
The Declaration is also open to accession by all interested market participants who support transparent pricing.
If any signatory fails to fulfill its obligations, the remaining participants have the right to contact antitrust authorities and industry associations to review its participation in the program.
The Declaration is expected to enter into force on March 1, 2025 .
However, experts warn: a real price reduction will depend on the willingness of all participants to fulfill the agreements. If pharmacies, manufacturers, and distributors fulfill their obligations, Ukrainians will indeed be able to buy medicines cheaper.
