Pharmacies have started experiencing shortages of medicines due to Russian attacks: stocks are dwindling

This was reported by the public union “Pharmacy Professional Association of Ukraine” (APAU).

According to the association, damage to logistical and civilian infrastructure due to Russian attacks is affecting the supply of medicines. Pharmacies are already reporting delays in the delivery of certain categories of drugs, and suppliers are not always able to give exact dates for the resumption of supplies.

The APAU notes that pharmacies are the final link in the supply chain and cannot independently compensate for the shortage of medicines if they are not available from manufacturers or distributors. Therefore, joint work between pharmaceutical manufacturers, suppliers, pharmacies, and government agencies is required to ensure stable supply to patients.

Representatives of the pharmaceutical market are already discussing further steps with the Ministry of Health and the relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada.

Among the APAU proposals are to simplify the import of medicines, expand pharmacies’ access to financial support and preferential lending, use parallel import mechanisms. They also propose creating more opportunities for pharmacies to operate in protected areas – in particular, in the metro, underground passages, and shelters.

At the same time, the APAU urges people not to buy medicines unnecessarily, as this puts an additional burden on the supply system. Patients with chronic diseases are advised to plan their medication purchases in advance and have a supply for approximately 2–3 months in accordance with the doctor’s prescriptions.

The association assured that the pharmacy sector continues to operate, and the situation with the supply of medicines is constantly monitored to prevent systemic disruptions.