Russia mulls domestic drug price regulation as coronavirus pushes these up

In response to a sharp price increase in the domestic market caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Russian government and the national Parliament (State Duma) are considering introducing state regulation over prices for drugs and medical devices in the domestic market

As part of these plans, particular attention will be paid to tightening control for the activities of pharmacies, reports The Pharma Letter’s local correspondent.

So far, a draft bill has been submitted for consideration by the State Duma. Meanwhile, according to its head Vyacheslav Volodin, the new bill will provide the right to the national government to set the maximum selling prices for certain drugs in the domestic market and to make interventions in the event of the growth of prices by 30% within the period of 30 days.