Title: Essential Medication Shortages in Krasnoyarsk Krai: A Persistent Problem
Thousands of residents in Krasnoyarsk Krai are currently waiting for discounted medications
Over the past few months, residents of Krasnoyarsk Krai have been grappling with the inability to obtain discounted medications prescribed by doctors. This issue has been investigated by local authorities, with the Federal Investigative Committee also expressing interest. As of now, supplies are gradually being normalized.
In February and March, residents of the region took to social media to express concerns over not being able to obtain life-saving medications. The situation became a topic of interest for the Federal Investigative Committee on the 12th of March, with an investigation launched into unnamed officials allegedly involved in careless procurement of various medications due to inappropriate volume purchases.
The situation was also discussed at a meeting of the Committee of the Regional Parliament on Healthcare and Social Policy on the 18th of March. At that time, according to the Ministry of Health, medications had been unable to fulfill 29,800 prescriptions, with 30% of these being medications for diabetes patients and 3% for cancer patients.
The reasons given included missed delivery deadlines, failed bids, and delays in the distribution of medications through federal programs. According to the Minister, Natasha Govorushkina, clear timelines for the resumption of medication deliveries would be made public within 2-3 weeks.
By then, contracts for the supply of medications had already been signed with a provider for 18 million rubles, and agreements for charitable assistance to residents through "Gubernatorial Pharmacies" had been concluded, as well as contracts for subsidies of 392 million rubles for pharmacies. Just before, on the 26th of March, the head of the committee, Illya Zaitsev, announced that over 60% of the prescriptions that had been waiting for medication deliveries had been fulfilled. This was primarily achieved through the implementation of subsidies and the supply of medications through government contracts.
"Although the leading positions in the structure of delayed prescription fulfillment continue to be held by test strips, deliveries in accordance with the government contracts signed by the Ministry of Health are insufficient. It is expected that through subsidies, part of the test strips will arrive within a week, while the second part will arrive in the first decade of April," the deputy explained.
Despite this decrease in the duration of delayed prescription fulfillment, the number of newly issued delayed prescriptions is on the rise. Prescriptions for medications unavailable on shelves or in pharmacies, which cannot be transferred within the region, are being reported to the Ministry of Health.
[Image: DELA]
Background:
Addressing medication shortages can involve various strategies. These could include:- Alternative Suppliers: Seeking suppliers from countries or companies not impacted by sanctions can help secure medications not affected by the supply chain disruptions.- Domestic Production: Encouraging local pharmaceutical companies to produce essential medications can reduce reliance on foreign imports.- Emergency Imports: In critical situations, governments may arrange for emergency imports of essential medications.
[1] Although specific information about diabetes and cancer medication shortages in Krasnoyarsk Krai is not publicly available, broader medication shortages, particularly for HIV patients, have been exacerbated by international sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions have impacted the procurement of expensive foreign drugs, including those for HIV treatment, leading to shortages in various regions.
- The news about medication shortages in Krasnoyarsk Krai has sparked concern among residents.
- The situation with medication shortages in Krasnoyarsk Krai has become a topic of investigation.
- Missed delivery deadlines, failed bids, and delays in distribution are some reasons for the medication shortages in Krasnoyarsk Krai.
- Diabetes and cancer medications are among those affected by the medication shortages in Krasnoyarsk Krai.
- The normalization of medication supplies in Krasnoyarsk Krai is a gradual process.
- Social media has been a platform for residents to express their concerns about medication shortages.
- The Federal Investigative Committee has launched an investigation into the medication shortages in Krasnoyarsk Krai.
- The Committee of the Regional Parliament on Healthcare and Social Policy discussed the medication shortages in Krasnoyarsk Krai on the 18th of March.
- As of now, 60% of the delayed prescriptions in Krasnoyarsk Krai have been fulfilled.
- Test strips continue to lead the list of delayed prescription fulfillment in Krasnoyarsk Krai.
- Subsidies and government contracts have played a significant role in fulfilling delayed prescriptions.
- Alternative suppliers can help secure medications not affected by supply chain disruptions.
- Domestic production can reduce reliance on foreign imports.
- Emergency imports may be arranged in critical situations for essential medications.
- The shortages of HIV medications in various regions have been exacerbated by international sanctions.
- These sanctions have impacted the procurement of expensive foreign drugs, including those for HIV treatment.
- Science and policy can work together to address medication shortages effectively.
- Workplace wellness programs can include initiatives addressing medical conditions and chronic diseases.
- Mental health issues, such as stress and anxiety, can be exacerbated by medication shortages.
- Proper nutrition and skin care are essential components of overall health and wellness.
- Therapies and treatments for autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, and skin conditions should be accessible and affordable to all individuals.
