Ukrainians are outraged by legislative initiatives that may lead to the closure of pharmacies (VIDEO)
Kyiv • UNN
Ukrainians are outraged by legislative initiatives that could lead to the closure of pharmacies.
Ukrainians are outraged by new legislative initiatives currently being discussed by MPs that could force pharmacies to close, including in remote areas. In a street survey conducted by UNN, citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the possible consequences of such a decision.
Some respondents emphasize that small towns already have a limited choice of pharmacies, so we should not allow their number to be reduced.
"It's very negative, because even in small towns there needs to be some choice, so that people have a place to buy cheaper medicines. Not only one pharmacy will work somewhere and have the same prices, because they will work without competition.
"For a family that lives in a small town, for example, and needs to go to the city (to the pharmacy), of course, this is bad.
Respondents also emphasized the difficulties that may arise for the elderly.
"In my opinion, the reduction in the number of pharmacies may lead to the fact that elderly people will not be able to provide themselves with medicines. I don't like this because I am a pensioner and disabled, I constantly have to buy medicines, and the prices are too high.
"If they (pharmacies) are massively cut, it will be bad. It is very convenient for the elderly to have a pharmacy near their homes or within walking distance. If there are one or two of them, then let one or two of them work. Why cut them down, who needs them?
Some respondents recommended that MPs should pay more attention to drug prices rather than reduce the number of pharmacies.
"Medicine has been ruined in general, and pharmacies, which are profiting not from people, but from the state. I had heart surgery, and I need to take medication all the time. They shouldn't reduce the number of pharmacies, they should look at prices.
It is about the amendments to the draft law No. 11493 on amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Medicines", which concern the quota of medicines supplies, a single electronic catalog and the abolition of discounts for pharmacies, which may lead to higher prices for medicines and the closure of pharmacies.
The Committee on National Health was planning to consider the scandalous amendments to the draft law No. 11493 at its meeting on December 9. However, due to the active position of the pharmaceutical market participants, this issue was postponed . At the same time, the pharmaceutical market participants fear that the consideration of the amendments was postponed deliberately to "push through" them when the outrage of the professional community subsides and there is no time for a comprehensive discussion.
At this stage, it is important for MPs to hear from industry representatives and take into account their expert opinion. After all, ill-considered changes risk becoming costly not only for business but also for the entire society. If a constructive dialog between the parties is not established, the consequences may affect every Ukrainian - through job losses, higher prices for medicines, and massive circulation of counterfeit products that are dangerous to life and health.
