In 2023, about one third of Russians faced shortages of medicines, while nearly all respondents observed rising prices. This finding emerges from research conducted by the Contemporary Media Institute and reported through TASS, reflecting the state of pharmaceutical access during that year.
The data indicate that shortages in medicines were most commonly noticed by adults aged 25 to 45, whereas increases in drug costs were reported more frequently by women. Importantly, the statistics showed no significant regional disparities, suggesting a nationwide pattern rather than localized shortages or price pressures.
The population survey, conducted online over a period spanning December 11 to December 18, 2023, included 1.6 thousand participants aged 18 and older. The study aimed to capture contemporary attitudes toward medicine availability, pricing trends, and the overall reliability of the pharmaceutical supply chain in Russia, offering a snapshot of consumer experiences during a period of economic challenge and regulatory adjustments.
According to Roszdravnadzor, Russians were supplied with medications from the Vital and Essential Drugs (VED) list for an average of 9.4 months, underscoring the pivotal role of state-regulated essential medicines in maintaining patient access. Additionally, Roszdravnadzor noted that about 70 percent of the pharmaceutical market consists of drugs produced within the Russian Federation, highlighting a substantial degree of domestic production relative to imports and signaling strategic priorities for domestic manufacturing in the sector.
Roszdravnadzor emphasized that the absence of a specific trade name in a particular pharmacy does not necessarily indicate a deficiency in the drug supply. Consumers should be offered alternatives with different trade names that share the same active ingredient, ensuring that patients continue to receive the medications they need even when a preferred brand is unavailable. This guidance reflects a policy orientation toward maintaining therapeutic options while navigating occasional supply gaps and distribution challenges.