Current issue #10, 2017

Customs service blocks grey drug import

Previously, the Russian Federal Customs Service (FCS) stated that it was ready for the introduction of parallel imports and capable of controlling import of the relevant goods including drugs. However, the so-call “grey” import has not been legalized yet, and the FCS treats this initiative with prejudice. The agency has learned how to expose those trying to avoid law.

[PharmVestnik # 10, 28/03/2017, p. 1, cont’d p. 2]

Russian regions not ready to guarantee full beneficiary VED coverage

In late 2016, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in particular, and the government overall were criticized by patients, physicians, and pharmaceutical manufacturers in respect of supplementing the VED (Vital and Essential Drugs) list. The MoH Commission for List Drafting approved inclusion into the VED list is not used in practice as frequently as wished it to be. In particular, it is basically not used in full in outpatient care.

[PharmVestnik # 10, 28/03/2017, p. 4]

VED listing procedure for approved drugs finally determined

March 31^st is the deadline for filing manufacturer applications for drug inclusion into VED, ONLS (Essential Drug Reimbursement Sub-Program), and other lists with the MoH Commission for List Drafting. At the end of 2017, the commission will draft amendments to appropriate lists, which looks like a routine process. However, the decision-making on entering 24 additional drugs into the VED list has been on hold since 2016. Pursuant to the latest protocol, the commission will take into account that these drugs have been approved. However, further clarifications came virtually at the last moment.

[PharmVestnik # 10, 28/03/2017, p. 5]

Pharma market entry of food retailers to affect not only pharmacies

The debates on the legislative initiative in respect of permitting drug sales at food stores has completely disappeared from the media scene, which does not mean that food retailers have dismissed the idea of going into pharmacy business. Most likely, they are calculating the opportunities of setting up a pharmacy chain of their own. At that, Х5 Retail Group is testing the space around check stands at their supermarkets, and Magnet may base themselves upon their own experience of developing a specialized store ch...