Drug prices are decreasing in Uzbekistan, electronic prescriptions will be introduced

Important changes are being implemented in Uzbekistan to reduce the prices of medicines and introduce an electronic prescription system. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to Abdulla Azizov, director of the Pharmaceutical Agency, the reference prices of medicines are being lowered. This decision is expected not only to regulate the prices of imported medicines but also to gradually reduce prices for the population at pharmacies.

Azizov stated that on December 5, 2023, the prices of 2,000 medicines were reduced by an average of 40-60 percent for distributors. This change has had a positive impact of approximately 70 million dollars on the country's economy.

Additionally, the decrease in prices of these medicines is expected to be reflected in retail prices at pharmacies, with these changes anticipated to take effect from March 1, 2024. The Pharmaceutical Agency has also developed a plan to reduce prices for another 4,000 imported medicines.

Overall, the prices of nearly 6,000 medicines are expected to decrease throughout 2024. This will help reduce the population's expenses on medicines.

Furthermore, the electronic prescription system is planned to be fully implemented in 2026. Currently, this system is undergoing testing.

So far, more than 400,000 electronic prescriptions have been written, but only 54,000 have been actually used in pharmacies. Therefore, measures are being taken to strengthen control and fully launch the system.

In cooperation with the Tax Committee and the General Prosecutor's Office, it is planned to address the shortcomings arising in the system. These changes are expected to ensure transparency in the medicine market, create convenience for the population, and make medicine prices more affordable.

Source: One.uz