Russian pharma industry doubts transparency of government spending

At a government-led meeting in Moscow, the Russian pharmaceutical industry, under the auspices of trade group the Association of Russian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (ARPM), called into question the transparency of government investment in the sector.

The Russian chamber of commerce hosted various government bodies and stakeholders for a roundtable discussion, regarding adherence to regulation on the procurement of medicines and medical devices for government needs.

Speaking at the event, ARPM chief executive Viktor Dmitriev cited comments from a senior finance ministry source who said that: “During the last six years the government has financed various development institutes with 5 trillion roubles ($88 billion) of taxpayers’ money, but the efficiency of spending this money is doubtful.”