In Ukraine, deliveries of certain medicines are being delayed following Russian strikes on pharmaceutical warehouses, according to the Ukrainian Pharmacy Professional Association. In some pharmacies, stocks of certain medicines may last for two to three weeks. The association is asking the public not to create a rush on supplies, and is advising patients with chronic conditions to discuss their stock levels with their doctor in advance.
Briefly about the main points
- Supplies of certain medicines are being delayed following attacks on pharmaceutical warehouses.
- In some pharmacies, stocks of certain medicines will only last for a short while.
- The Ministry of Health has not identified any nationwide systemic shortage.
- Mass buying could exacerbate local shortages.
- Patients on long-term treatment are advised to discuss their stock levels with their doctor.
Local disruptions do not mean a nationwide shortage
The APAU has noted a sharp rise in demand for certain medicines in some regions. Distributors are not always able to specify when supplies will be restored, so the availability of specific items may vary depending on the pharmacy and the region.
At the same time, the director of the Ministry of Health’s State Expert Centre Edem Adamanov On 10 September, he stated that there is currently no systemic shortage of medicines across the country. According to him, pharmacy chains and distributors are reorganising their supply chains, storing smaller batches in various locations and, to some extent, maintaining stocks in Europe. This does not rule out local shortages of certain medicines.
How patients should plan their purchases and what drives the market
The APAU urges the public not to stockpile medicines unnecessarily: frenzied demand is likely to deplete existing stocks more quickly. People who take medication regularly for chronic conditions are advised to ensure they have a supply of approximately two to three months’ worth in good time, in accordance with their doctor’s instructions and the regulations governing the dispensing of prescription medicines.
The association’s proposals include simplifying the import process, wider use of parallel imports, preferential loans for pharmacies, and the opening of pharmacy outlets in the underground and in shelters. These are not official decisions. MINISTRY OF HEALTH On 10 September, discussions were held with major distributors regarding the distribution of stock, additional storage space, reserves and more flexible logistics.
