WHO: The Affordable Medicines Program has improved access to medicines for Ukrainians

The World Health Organization has published a report on the Government Affordable Medicines Program. According to WHO, the Program has improved access to treatment for Ukrainians and has allowed to lower the prices of medicines.

According to WHO report, the Affordable Medicines Program had a positive impact on Ukrainians' access to effective medicines, as well as on the prices of medicines included in the Program. Since the start of the Program, the prices have fallen in all categories (except bronchial asthma). In some categories of medicines, the price has dropped by as much as 30-40%.

With the Affordable Medicines Program, Ukrainians were able to be treated continuously without interrupting the course due to lack of funds. More than eight million people have already benefited from the Program, which is half the number of people who are suffering from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and bronchial asthma. For many patients, the Program is the only opportunity to receive the necessary treatment.

Patients with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and bronchial asthma may currently receive medicines for free or for a little extra under the Affordable Medicines Program. The registry of medicines includes 258 entries, with 64 of these being available to patients entirely free. The Program has been operating since April 2017.

The report is available in English on the website: https://bit.ly/2GpF6qk

Remember that from 1 April 2019, users of the Government Affordable Medicines Program began receiving electronic prescription medicines for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and bronchial asthma. It can only be obtained from a family physician, a therapist or a pediatrician, with whom the patient have signed a declaration.