Roszdravnadzor is moving toward tighter price controls on essential medicines, a move praised by Nikolai Bespalov, who serves as development director at RNC. He explained that the current approach already exists in a limited form, but automation is needed to make it more effective. The discussion occurred during an interview with the 360 TV channel. This shift signals a broader push to modernize how drug prices are tracked and regulated, with a focus on reducing room for manual errors and preventing price manipulation in the market. In practice, the automation effort would create a centralized system that continuously monitors price movements, flags unusual spikes, and enforces compliance with established rules. Such a tool would help align pricing with policy objectives and improve predictability for health care providers and patients alike. According to Bespalov, the initiative aims to curb the inflationary pressures that can arise when prices are set manually, ensuring that price floors and ceilings are applied consistently across the market. He suggested that the automation would act as a safeguard against violations of the law and create a transparent framework for stakeholders. This is seen as a key step in strengthening the integrity of the drug pricing process while supporting fair competition among distributors, pharmacies, and manufacturers. The proposed system would collect comprehensive data on drug costs and store it in a dedicated monitoring platform, making it easier to audit price changes and verify compliance over time. An automated mechanism would also facilitate timely adjustments in response to external factors such as supply disruptions, currency fluctuations, and shifts in demand, helping to stabilize the market and protect patient access. Roszdravnadzor has previously indicated an intent to implement a monitoring mechanism that aggregates drug price data into a single system. The goal is to maintain visibility across the entire pricing chain, enabling authorities to detect anomalies early and intervene when necessary. Industry observers note that this approach could enhance transparency for all market participants and reduce the risk of hidden price shocks that can undermine affordability for patients and hospitals. The Ministry of Health has, in recent weeks, reported that while some prices for vital medicines have risen, the increases have stayed within the rate of overall inflation. Officials stressed that they actively monitor drug costs and the availability of medicines on the domestic market, with the aim of maintaining a stable supply and reasonable pricing. In the broader context, some consumers in Russia have shown reluctance to purchase certain popular medications, a trend that underscores the importance of clear pricing and reliable access. Analysts point out that automated price monitoring could help address such concerns by providing consistent information about price changes and the factors driving them. For industry players, the shift toward automation promises enhanced data accuracy, faster response times, and clearer governance over pricing decisions. Yet experts warn that the success of the system will hinge on data quality and robust technical safeguards that prevent system failures or inaccuracies from cascading through the market. The conversation around automation also touches on the human element—ensuring that regulators, pharmacists, and suppliers understand the rules and trust the system enough to rely on it for decision making. In the end, the objective is a balanced approach that protects patients, maintains supplier viability, and preserves market integrity. As this framework evolves, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the automated tool performs in real-world conditions and how quickly it can adapt to changing market dynamics. The ongoing dialogue between regulators and industry representatives remains crucial for shaping a transparent, efficient, and fair drug pricing ecosystem that serves the public interest and supports sustainable health outcomes. At the same time, observers in Canada and the United States are keen to compare regulatory methodologies and consider how automated price monitoring might inform similar approaches in their own markets. Comparative discussions highlight the shared goal of safeguarding access to essential medicines while preventing price volatility and mispricing. Attribution: Roszdravnadzor and industry briefings provide the basis for the current dialogue, with ongoing updates expected as the regulatory framework advances. The evolving policy landscape suggests that automation could become a standard feature in price governance, further aligning market behavior with public health objectives.
