The nation’s health authorities were tasked with drafting a government decree aimed at banning the sale of medicines that are illegal or past their sell-by dates, using information from the labeling system as the basis for enforcement. The directive reportedly came from a high-ranking official, Dmitry Grigorenko, who serves as Deputy Prime Minister.
Officials from Grigorenko’s office told the publication that the departments of Health, Industry and Trade, and Economic Development should prepare new regulations to provide an extra layer of consumer protection. The staff emphasized that federal law enforcement agencies are reviewing the matter as part of an ongoing policy review.
According to the instruction, the draft decree is expected to be ready for consideration by February 12, 2024.
Revaz Yusupov, Deputy General Director of the Center for the Development of Advanced Technologies, which operates the Honest Mark labeling system, explained that the goal is to prevent the sale of drugs that could have been stolen from hospitals or similar institutions. This clarification highlights a focus on closing loopholes that allow illicit supply chains to reach consumers.
Earlier reporting indicated that the Federal Antimonopoly Service had already begun documenting shifts in pricing within the pharmaceutical sector. In 2023, data showed reductions in prices for a subset of medicines deemed vital and essential, signaling broader government interest in drug affordability and access.
Public messaging around the topic has included guidance on which medicines should not be purchased for future use, reflecting a broader effort to inform citizens about safe procurement practices and the importance of verifying product legitimacy.