Largest Expansion of the Affordable Medicines Programme: Another 260 Brand-Name Medicines Added for the Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
The Affordable Medicines reimbursement programme has been expanded for the second time since the beginning of 2026. Another 260 brand-name medicines for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have been added to the programme. Of these, 173 will be available free of charge, while 87 will be available with partial co-payment. The updated list of medicines is available on the NHSU website.
The newly added medicines include those for blood pressure control, prevention of heart attacks and strokes (statins and anticoagulants), as well as medicines for the treatment of chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cardiac arrhythmias. Patients can already receive electronic prescriptions for the newly added medicines.
“Cardiovascular diseases account for 68% of all deaths among Ukrainians, although experts estimate that up to 80% of these cases could be prevented through timely identification of risk factors, prevention, and appropriate treatment. In response to this challenge, the state is implementing a comprehensive set of measures that form the unified 'Healthy Heart' approach. These include the Health Screening 40+ programme aimed at prevention and early detection of risks, increased reimbursement rates for cardiac surgery under the Medical Guarantees Programme, free planned coronary artery stenting, and ensuring patients have access to the medicines they need. Following this update, the Affordable Medicines reimbursement programme now covers the full spectrum of evidence-based outpatient therapy for cardiovascular diseases in line with the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology. For patients, this means they can receive the medicines they need free of charge or with a partial co-payment, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent regular treatment.”
For the first time, this expansion introduces a dedicated support mechanism for medicines manufactured in Ukraine. If a Ukrainian manufacturer offers a medicine that meets the established requirements and has the lowest price, it may receive preferential consideration for inclusion in the programme. This approach encourages the development of Ukraine's pharmaceutical manufacturing sector while helping ensure a stable supply of essential medicines for patients. Through this mechanism, 67 single-ingredient medicines and 35 combination medicines produced in Ukraine have been included in the programme.
Since the launch of the Affordable Medicines reimbursement programme in 2019, it has already benefited 6.43 million Ukrainians. During the first two quarters of 2026 alone, more than 2.56 million patients received medicines through the programme, while pharmacies dispensed medicines under 9.6 million electronic prescriptions.
As of July 2026, the programme covers 1,038 items, including 771 medicines, 172 combination medicines, 59 insulin products, and 36 medical devices, including blood glucose test strips.
Medicines under the programme are available at 17,470 pharmacies across Ukraine. Patients can find the nearest participating pharmacy using the NHSU dashboard, Electronic Map of Medicine Dispensing Locations under E-Prescriptions.