Rada Committee to Investigate Scandal Over Supply of Bandages for Butterfly People
Kyiv • UNN
The Parliamentary Committee on Health will investigate the possible monopoly of Molnlycke Health Care on the market of dressings for patients with epidermolysis bullosa. The committee will check for corruption and the effectiveness of the care products.
The situation with the supply of bandages for patients with epidermolysis bullosa requires further study by the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Health and the Ministry of Health. In particular, it is necessary to find out whether there is a monopoly or corruption component in this issue, and to provide patients with the most effective means of care. This was stated in an exclusive commentary to UNN by a member of the parliamentary committee, Viktoriia Vahner.
Context
At its meeting on Thursday, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Health considered the situation with the provision of bullous epidermolysis patients with bandages. During the discussion, representatives of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine pointed out that there is currently no competition in the market, which indicates a monopoly of the Swedish company Molnlycke Health Care and systemic corruption
"If there is a monopoly (in the supply of bandages - ed.), then a monopoly is always wrong, unless there is a situation where there is really a single manufacturer. But I understand that there is probably not a single manufacturer, so of course the ministry and the committee will continue to look into this issue. We will see what we will do," Wagner said.
According to her, it is also necessary to find out whether there is a corruption component in the situation with the supply of bandages for patients with bullous epidermolysis.
"I don't know whether it's corruption or not, this issue also needs to be dealt with, because it arose right before the committee. And I cannot say that we have already received all the data," Wagner said.
The MP noted that the Ministry of Health is preparing proposals on how to influence this situation. "After the New Year, we agreed that we would meet and discuss this issue, and we will see what we will do next," Wagner said.
At the same time, she added that as a doctor, she understands that patients should be provided with the bandages that suit them best.
"The manufacturer says they are suitable, and patient organizations say they are not, so we are also studying this issue more thoroughly. What is acceptable is what is necessary for the patient," Wagner emphasized.
Recall
UNN launched an investigation to find out how the Swedish company Molnlycke Health Care, which specializes in the production of bandages, managed to create a monopoly in the Ukrainian market. After all, the manufacturer has secured absolute dominance in public tenders for the purchase of wound care products for patients with epidermolysis bullosa. For example, they are trying to prevent a Ukrainian manufacturer from entering the market that offers the same super-thin bandages, but at four times the price. A previous analysis revealed a possible conflict of interest in tender procurement through the public association headed by Tetiana Kulesha. In particular, there are reasonable suspicions that Molnlycke Health Care uses Kulesha to lobby for its own bandages.
For reference: Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic disorder that makes the skin extremely fragile. Such patients are also called butterfly people. Even a slight mechanical impact can cause blisters, open wounds and scars on their skin. This disorder affects not only the skin but also the nails, hair, and mucous membranes. Treatment includes special wound care, the use of protective dressings, drug therapy, and surgery in severe cases. Due to the significant impact on patients' quality of life, ensuring access to the necessary care is critical.
