A rumor circulating online claims that the Russian Post could be used to distribute counterfeit medicines that do not require refrigeration or special handling. The claim appeared on the Telegram channel Mincifers, which is not an official source. While such chatter attracts attention, it is essential to treat it with caution until independent verification is available. The broader issue here is how medicines found their way into mail routes and what safeguards exist to prevent improper distribution. The report notes that concerns about mail-based medicine movement intersect with public health, regulatory oversight, and patient safety in more than one jurisdiction.
The report suggests that the national postal service could play a role in enabling the sale of counterfeit drugs that do not require strict cold storage. The claim, attributed to unnamed analysts, points to gaps in the supply chain where medicines might pass through without proper screening. Gazeta.ru cited experts who warned that such scenarios would undermine public health protections and raise questions about oversight across postal networks, customs, and health authorities.
Proponents argue that widening access through ordinary mail channels might seem to help people in remote parts of the country obtain medicines more quickly, but health authorities warn that such access comes with risk. Critics say mail-based distribution of pharmaceuticals without strong quality controls could endanger patients, shift responsibility away from licensed pharmacies, and complicate enforcement. The topic has attracted scrutiny from regulators and consumer safety groups who stress the importance of a safe, traceable pharmaceutical supply in rural areas, as reported by Gazeta.ru.
Alexey Ogarkov, a former executive in the pharmaceutical sector and a specialist in commercial efficiency, told Gazeta.ru that drug pricing arises from multiple influences. He described price formation as a layered process driven by many factors, with innovation being a key determinant. If a medicine introduces a new chemical formulation or a novel mechanism, it often carries a higher price tag, reflecting research, development, and regulatory costs. The expert stressed that markets also weigh manufacturing complexity, regulatory hurdles, and treatment value when setting a final price.
Earlier, a technology expert outlined how medicines should be moved through logistics channels to maintain integrity and safety. The guidance emphasized proper packaging, secure handoffs, and traceability at every step, from storage to delivery, to minimize the risk of degradation or substitution in transit.