Major pharmacy chains ready to lower prices following Zelenskyy's criticism

The Pharmacy Professional Association of Ukraine (PPAU) published a corresponding statement on Feb. 10. On Feb. 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, "What some pharmacy chains are doing with prices is absolutely unacceptable."

In the press release, PPAU announced that it had submitted a cooperation declaration to the Health Ministry to reduce drug prices. The proposal suggests lowering medication costs at all sales stages: manufacturers would decrease their base prices, distributors the wholesale prices, and pharmacies the retail prices. The ultimate volume of the discount will be determined by manufacturers, while sellers are ready to reduce their markup accordingly.

If the declaration is approved by government officials, it will take effect on March 1.

Participants in the declaration committed to preventing “hidden” price increases, ensuring equitable distribution of medications, and cooperating with antitrust authorities.

Major Ukrainian pharmacy chains, including Apteka 9-1-1, Bazhayemo Zdorovya, ANC, Apteka Dobroho Dnya, and Podorozhnyk, have already signed the document. Other market participants are welcome to join the initiative.