SAFEMed continues to strength regulatory framework for improved prescribing of prescription medicines

Digest of the Project “Safe, Affordable, And Effective Medicines For Ukrainians” (SAFEMed), June 2022

Throughout June, SAFEMed, with support of its local partner Legal Alliance and in cooperation with the MOH and the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU), continued to develop draft regulations aimed at improving the processes for prescribing and controlling the dispensing of prescription medicines. Specifically, SAFEMed supported the drafting of several amendments to regulations to strengthen implementation of e-prescription. These include amendments to several Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Decrees (No. 458 on May 23, 2012, No. 333 on May 13, 2013; and No. 929 on November 30, 2016) as well as to MOH Orders (No. 360 on July 19, 2005; No. 490 on August 17, 2007; and others). The priority focus has been on the launch of e-prescriptions for antibacterial medicines dispensed at health facilities followed by focusing on distribution at pharmacy level set to begin in 2023. These relevant amendments are currently being prepared for public discussion.

In addition, two bills are under Parliamentary review. These include:

Bill No. 7444 on June 8, 2022 designed to amend certain laws in the field of the circulation of medicines. Specifically, the law is designed to control dispensing of medicines containing narcotic ingredients and psychotropic substances under e-prescription.

Bill No. 7445 on June 8, 2022, amending Article 42-4 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, designed to strengthen administrative responsibility for prescriptions dispensing of medicines worth up to UAH 5,100 (repeated offense over the year is UAH 10,200).

Both bills, if adopted, will be put into effect three months after the cessation (abolition) of martial law in Ukraine.

Link to digest: SAFEMED MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST, June 2022