The restrictions on markups on medicines for pharmacies, introduced by a government decree, significantly complicated the work of small pharmacy businesses, especially in villages and district centers where large pharmacy chains do not operate. This was stated in an exclusive comment to UNN by Inna Fenyak, the owner of several pharmacies in the Mykolaiv region.
There is no need to talk about the fact that pharmacies work well in villages or small towns... It's very, very difficult. We were already struggling to survive, because wholesale suppliers provide higher prices to sole proprietors than, for example, to chain stores. Previously, we could at least put a higher markup on some inexpensive drugs than 10-35%. Now we have been put in a rigid framework, and we cannot exceed it. And our earnings, of course, have fallen. Very much so, and it's very difficult with that
According to her, rural pharmacies have additional costs for logistics, delivery and cash collection.
"For example, wholesalers do not go to all points, they bring us the goods to one point, and then we deliver it to our smaller points, and this is all part of the cost.
And due to the fact that we have limited this markup, it is very difficult. I don't know, we are breaking even or even in the red," - explained the owner of pharmacies in Mykolaiv region.
Inna Fenyak added that, taking into account the new price restrictions, many pharmacy points will operate at a loss or close completely. This, in turn, will hit rural residents: they will have to travel to big cities for medicines, and the cost of the road will negate any savings.
If it goes on like this, people will simply go to big cities or district centers. They will go to a big city and buy medicines. But this cost will fall on the consumer. Well, not everyone will be able to get there, respectively. That is, people will still get medicines at the same price as if we offered them. That is, for the person, the end consumer, the price will not decrease. Because his cost will remain the same
She also said that her pharmacy points could sell insulin and other drugs under the "Affordable Medicines" program due to the fact that it was possible to make a higher markup on other less important drugs.
"For example, now we dispense insulin and other medicines under the "Affordable Medicines" program of the National Health Service of Ukraine. The markup on them was already small before, 10-15%. But due to the fact that we could sell other medicines a little more expensive, we covered them. And now it's unprofitable for us. You understand yourself, to deliver insulin, to store it, certain conditions must be met. This also involves a cost," - said Inna Fenyak.
She added that after the introduction of the new regulation of the pharmaceutical market, it is unprofitable for small pharmacies to sell medicines under the "Affordable Medicines" program.
"Plus, we release them on credit. We release them to people, people take them, we already pay for them. And the National Health Service of Ukraine returns to us only 2 times a month after our report.
Well, these are still our internal funds being invested, and they are being delayed," - complained the owner of pharmacies in the Mykolaiv region.
She added that she tried to convey her position to the Ministry of Health, filled out tables, showed real financial losses. However, there is still no dialogue with the ministry.
Let's add
Olena Prudnikova, Head of the NGO "All-Ukrainian Association "Mykolaiv Pharmaceutical Association "PharmRada", noted in a comment to UNN that during the years of the full-scale war in Ukraine, more than 70% of small pharmacies ceased operations: out of 4 thousand, only about 1200 remained. According to her, after the new regulation of the pharmaceutical market comes into force, even these remnants are under threat.
Let's remind
Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 168 of February 14, 2025 provides for new rules for regulating the pharmaceutical market. In particular, restrictions were introduced on markups on supply and distribution and retail markups for all medicines, and not only for certain categories. In addition, the resolution prohibits retailers from entering into marketing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers, which allowed pharmacies to make discounts for patients, implement social projects and conduct training for pharmacists.
The purpose of the resolution was to reduce the prices of medicines and increase their availability to the population. At the same time, patient organizations warned that excessive regulation could lead to a shortage of medicines, the closure of pharmacies in small towns and villages, and the termination of social programs to support patients.
As reported UNN in the State Regulatory Service, despite the fact that this resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers is regulatory, it did not undergo their examination. They stressed that this is a violation of the Law on Regulatory Policy.