Ukrainians will be able to choose the cheapest medicines through e-prescriptions — government
This was announced by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
According to the government's decision, along with the e-prescription, the patient will receive a paper memo with a QR code. After scanning it, information from the National Price Catalogue will open, listing all available drugs with the same active ingredient, dosage and form of release.
The catalogue will also display the three cheapest options for the corresponding drug. As noted by the government, at least one of these drugs must be available at the pharmacy.
In the first stage, the innovation will apply to single-component prescription drugs in the form of tablets and capsules that patients purchase at their own expense. In the future, the system is planned to be extended to other types of drugs.
The national catalogue contains the maximum prices for medicines declared by manufacturers and importers. Pharmacies are not allowed to sell such drugs at prices higher than the specified maximum price.
The government has also introduced a price reference mechanism, which involves determining the maximum cost of medicines based on the prices of similar drugs in European countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania.
In addition, from 1 March, checks on pharmacies for compliance with the established prices have been resumed. Control is exercised by the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. If inflated prices are found, citizens can contact this authority, providing information about the pharmacy and relevant supporting documents.
