In Ukraine, the largest pharmacy chains have signed the Declaration on the Availability of Medicines. The document provides for a reduction in the cost of medicines at all stages - from the manufacturer to the final buyer. The initiative is aimed at increasing the availability of medicines for citizens.
This is stated on the website of the Pharmacy Professional Association of Ukraine (APAU).
Pharmacy chains also called on manufacturers and distributors to join in signing the document and reduce prices for their products.
According to the agreements, the signatories of the Declaration undertook the following obligations:
- Manufacturers will reduce the selling prices of all registered medicines compared to the prices in effect on January 1, 2025.
- Distributors will proportionally reduce wholesale prices by applying a similar discount to the manufacturer on their markup.
- Pharmacies will reduce retail prices by proportionally reducing their mark-up on discounted medicines.
According to the signatories, such measures will allow for a cumulative reduction in the cost of medicines for end consumers.
Guarantees and control of the implementation of agreements
The signatories of the Declaration committed to preventing hidden price increases or changes in supply schemes that could undermine agreements on reducing the cost of medicines. Distributors must also ensure the even distribution of medicines throughout Ukraine to avoid product shortages.
If one of the parties violates its obligations, the other participants in the initiative have the right to appeal to industry associations and market regulators to review the violator's participation in the program. In addition, the signatories agreed to cooperate with antitrust authorities to prevent abuses in the pharmaceutical market.
When will the Declaration enter into force?
The initiative is scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2025.
Currently, representatives of the pharmacy chains “Apteka 9-1-1”, “Bazhaemo Zdorovya”, “Apteka ANTs”, “Apteka Dobrogo Dnya”, “Apteka Podorozhnyk” have joined the signing of the Declaration. The document remains open to all participants in the pharmaceutical market who support transparent pricing for medicines.
