Ukraine's medicines supply crisis

As Russia began its invasion, Ukrainians rushed to sweep food off supermarket shelves, fearing supply disruptions, and the country’s healthcare system is facing similar problems amid war and a global pandemic, according to a report from opendemrocacy.net.

On the eve of the Russian invasion, COVID was in full swing in Ukraine. People bought medicine in a panic, while sending other materials to reserves in hospitals in case the city came under attack. The military also required additional medical supplies. Now, authorities are forced to resort to drastic measures, calling on the owners of pharmacies to retrieve the necessary drugs from warehouses to ensure supply.

For those who require insulin, the situation is especially difficult. For many, it is quite literally a matter of life and death. However, getting hold of insulin is extremely challenging, even with a prescription. Where regular deliveries are impossible because of fierce fighting, volunteers or the military try to deliver insulin and other drugs to those who desperately need it. Those deliveries are not always possible.