Current issue #2, 2017

Businesses and government attempt at reaching an agreement on health investment terms

Gaidar Forum held in Moscow in early January is a traditional venue to discuss investment in the Russian economy. This forum often attracts the participation of government-level decision-makers. For this reason, heads of global companies interested in the Russian market tend to participate as well. Two separate sections focused on healthcare that is considered an investment-attractive industry were held. But it looks like the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration people who hosted the event were unaware about that, which embarrassed the high-ranking health officials present.

[PharmVestnik # 02, 24/01/2017, p. 1, cont’d p. 4]

Drug storage and transportation regulations approved

A relevant order will become effective in early spring. Market players believe that this is another step to increasing the pharma logistics quality. The only problem is the implementation of this brilliant idea. Experts are not sure that the regulators will have the cadre and capacities sufficient for auditing all storage sites and vehicles.

[PharmVestnik # 02, 24/01/2017, p. 2]

Tobacco addiction drugs may be VED listed

The new antismoking concept developed by the Russian Ministry of Health provides for medical aid to tobacco addicts. Experts have reasons to believe that the ministry is serious about including tobacco addiction drugs into the VED list, and the relevant medical aid – in the mandatory health insurance scope.

[PharmVestnik # 02, 24/01/2017, p. 3]

Russia to implement novel drug coverage ideas

Up to this point, the drug coverage market development has not been too fast in Russia. Just a few projects were proposed over the past years, e.g. Essential Drug Coverage (ONLS) and Seven Diseases subprograms. Meantime, the setting has changed dramatically. On the one hand, funding is limited due to the economic crisis; on the other hand, many new expensive drugs and medical technologies have emerged. Russia does not intend to keep out of what the progressive countries are doing, and is willing to take one of the most advanced drug coverage techniques on board.

[PharmVestnik # 02, 24/01/2017, p. 5]