The Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation is preparing a review of the format and the list of vital and essential medicines. The goal is to refine how the list is organized and which items are included, with a focus on how drugs are grouped by dosage form, combined by their method of use, and how they are administered. Based on input from the antitrust department, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has drafted amendments to the government decree that establishes the list of vital and essential medicines. The changes are aimed at making the framework clearer and more practical for healthcare providers and patients alike, as stated in official communications.
In 2022, at the initiative of the Federal Antimonopoly Service, 35 dosage forms that were equivalent to drugs already on the list were added. Officials say that expanding this mechanism will strengthen competition in the markets for pharmaceutical products and help prevent schemes that sidestep price regulation. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure fair access to medicines while maintaining control over pricing dynamics within the sector, according to statements from the agency.
The Government of the Russian Federation has received direction to consider state support measures for pharmaceutical manufacturers with a target deadline in early spring. The aim is to prevent drug shortages that could arise if foreign producers decide to leave the Russian market, a procedural instruction designed to preserve supply stability and keep essential medicines available to the population, according to public briefings.
Earlier, Roszdravnadzor noted that the list of Vital and Essential Medicines saw a marginal increase in price indicators, with a rise of about 0.5 percent during the first two months of the year, a figure that aligns with the same period in the previous year. Observers emphasize that price movements in this sector are carefully monitored to protect patient access while supporting a predictable market environment for manufacturers and distributors. These data points help regulators gauge the effectiveness of listings and price controls in maintaining a reliable drug supply, according to Roszdravnadzor analyses.
Overall, officials describe the ongoing review as a proactive step. The intention is to streamline the process of updating the VED to reflect evolving medical needs, new therapeutic options, and shifts in the pharmaceutical landscape. The approach seeks to balance patient welfare, industry incentives, and regulatory oversight, ensuring that vital medicines remain accessible and affordable across regions and healthcare systems.