Changes are being prepared for patients: what will happen with “Affordable Medicines,” drug prices, and medical cannabis
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Health, Medical Care, and Medical Insurance reviewed the implementation status of the National Security and Defense Council's decision on ensuring the availability of medicines for the population and the legislative changes adopted for its implementation.
To implement the NSDC decision, the parliament previously adopted a number of laws, including postponing the enforcement of the new Law “On Medicinal Products” until January 1, 2027, introducing the provisions of the “Bolar Rule” into Ukrainian legislation, and improving patent legislation.
The Ministry of Health reported the introduction of mechanisms for referencing and declaring prices on medicinal products. To curb the increase in drug costs, a National Price Catalogue was created, trade markups were limited, and hidden marketing payments between manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacy chains were prohibited. Additionally, manufacturers voluntarily reduced prices on more than 300 medicines.
According to the Ministry of Health, the rate of price growth for pharmaceutical products observed until spring 2025 has significantly slowed down. Currently, drug prices change at roughly the same rate as other goods under the influence of inflationary processes.
Separate plans were presented to expand the state program “Affordable Medicines” for 2026–2027. Priority is planned to be given to drugs for treating cardiovascular diseases. In addition, mechanisms to support Ukrainian manufacturers through the reimbursement program are being considered to localize production and reduce drug costs.
The meeting also discussed the operation of the emergency medical service system under air raid conditions. The Ministry of Health noted that response algorithms are continuously improved considering changes in the security situation. To enhance coordination, representatives of dispatcher services of emergency medical centers are involved in situational centers where air threats are monitored in real time.
It was also reported that social protection for emergency medical workers has been strengthened. Additional pay coefficients have been introduced for medics working in frontline territories. The average salary of an emergency medical doctor currently amounts to about 40,000 hryvnias.
Participants of the meeting paid special attention to the strategic priorities of the World Health Organization's activities in Ukraine for 2026. Key areas include continuing humanitarian response during the war, supporting frontline regions, developing mental health programs, as well as restoring and reforming the healthcare system.
Additionally, committee members discussed the implementation of legislation on medical cannabis, which came into force in August 2024. It was noted that the first patients have already gained the opportunity to purchase medical cannabis-based drugs via electronic prescriptions. At the same time, meeting participants drew attention to a number of organizational and regulatory issues that still limit the availability of such treatment in certain regions.
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