Kazakhstan. Critical Situation With The Supply Of Medicines

Since 2010, state purchases have been made through a single distributor of medicaments in the Kazakh market, ‘SK Pharmaciya’, which is a part of the National Welfare Fund ‘Samruk Kazyna’ (a holding for the management of state assets of Kazakhstan).

The objective of ‘SK Pharmaciya’ is the purchase of medicinal products directly from manufacturers and their delivery to medical care facilities, both public and private. ‘SK Pharmaciya’ is engaged in providing medicaments within the guaranteed volume of free-of charge medical care. Another aim of the company is to support domestic manufacturers.

In practice, the situation surrounding the supply of medical means in the country is critical. The main problems are associated with delayed tenders for the purchase of medicines, which, in turn, frequently defers the delivery of essential drugs. In addition, the volume of medicines supplied is insufficient. Due to the volatility of procurement rules, manufacturers have no assurance that drugs will be sold.

International experts have pointed to the problem of the availability of counterfeit (fake) drugs on the domestic market, the amount of which varies from 2% to 10%. Mostly, these drugs are imported from Russia, Ukraine and China.

In late 2012, the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the Protection of Competition has analysed the pharmaceutical and medical markets, and based on the findings, a number of problems were highlighted. In particular, incidents of incorrect interaction of the medical community and pharmaceutical companies, a low-level of competitive development in the pharmaceutical market in rural areas, and an excessively large number of wholesalers have been highlighted. In addition, no concepts or clear criteria of interchangeability of medicines are stipulated in the law.

Source: Open Dialog Foundation