Can pharmacies sell drugs without a prescription during martial law – the answer of the Ministry of Health
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Since April 1, Ukraine has introduced an e-prescription for the purchase of a number of medicines, which before that had to be dispensed with a paper prescription. Queues formed in pharmacies, and social networks criticized the Ministry of Health for introducing restrictions on allegedly over-the-counter drugs. At the same time, information appeared in some mass media that most prescription drugs can be sold without a prescription during martial law – according to the Cabinet of Ministers resolution of May 7, 2022. Is this really so – the Ministry of Health explained in a comment to “Ukrainian Pravda. Life”. Should medicines be dispensed without a prescription during martial law? Photo: cybernesco/Depositphotos The main document that regulates the conduct of business activities related to the production of medicinal products, wholesale and retail trade of medicinal products, import of medicinal products – Licensing conditions, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 929 of November 30, 2016. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the government passed some changes (Decree No. 542 dated 07.05.2022) to ensure unhindered access to medicines for patients. The May resolution discussed the possibility of dispensing prescription drugs without a prescription (except for narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs, as well as potent, poisonous, radioactive substances). At the same time, there was a condition – the pharmacy employee is obliged to provide the patient with an explanation about the need to use the medication in accordance with the specified instructions. However, on March 17, 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted Resolution No. 236 with amendments to the License Terms, which entered into force on April 1. “Since April, prescription drugs can be dispensed without a doctor’s prescription only if they are dispensed from pharmacies that are located within territorial communities, that are located in the area of active military (combat) operations, or that are under temporary occupation, encirclement (blockade),” – explained in the press service of the Ministry of Health. The list of such territories is determined by the Ministry of Reintegration. Medicines can be dispensed there without a prescription, but the pharmacy staff must provide an explanation of the need for use according to the instructions. At the same time, the list of “permitted” drugs does NOT include drugs containing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, as well as combined drugs containing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or precursors, poisonous and potent drugs. Their release without a prescription is prohibited even in the zone of active hostilities or in the occupied territories (subparagraph 3, paragraph 31.1 of Resolution of the CMU No. 929 dated 30.11.2016). So, since April 1, in Ukraine, a significant part of prescription drugs can be bought without a prescription in the war zone, under occupation or in the surrounding area. Instead, in relatively “peaceful” areas, prescription drugs must be dispensed with a prescription – in particular, with an electronic prescription. Importantly, during martial law, the patient will be allowed to choose in which form he wants to receive the prescription – in paper or electronic form. Read also: Postinor, Nimesil, alcohol. What medicines will be available on prescription from April 1 and should you worry?
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