Bitter pill. Why medicines are getting more expensive in the Chernozem region

Drug prices continue to rise despite antitrust measures and declining demand relative to the pandemic year

far gone

In the first quarter of 2021, the average retail price increase for medicines in Russia almost doubled the inflation rate, the FinExpertiza analytical service calculated.

The growth trend is also characteristic of the Chernozem region. In the Kursk region in the first quarter of 2021, compared to the same period last year, the increase in prices for medicines amounted to 12.1%, outpacing inflation by 1.8 times. Aspirin, vitamin D3 and arbidol were in the top of the most expensive vital and essential drugs (VED). Other medicines (except Vital and Essential Drugs) went up by an average of 17.4%.

In the Lipetsk and Belgorod regions, growth was the lowest in the Chernozem region, but it also exceeded the average inflation rates - 9.4% and 9.5%, respectively (for VED - 4.8% and 5%). All other medical goods have risen in price in Lipetsk and Belgorod pharmacies by 12.7%.

In the Voronezh region, over the same period, medical goods increased in price by 10.9%. Essential drugs rose in price, according to analysts, by 5.1%. According to the owner of the Voronezh Pharmacy chain of pharmacies, Roman Kubanev, it is advisable to draw conclusions about price dynamics based on data for a longer period - six months or a year. “In Voronezh pharmacies, the purchase price fluctuates within the normal range. The procurement algorithm is in many ways reminiscent of an "exchange" - the characteristic volatility does not allow tracking the cost of specific drugs. According to my feelings, I will say that there has not been a sharp increase in prices for medical goods, ”the expert told RBC Chernozemie.

Where is the FAS looking?

In the Tambov region, according to FinExpertiza, there was a maximum price increase in the Russian Federation - 18.3% in the first quarter of 2021. Vital and essential drugs have risen in price here by an average of 9.7%, significantly increased in price chlorhexidine - by 68%, aspirin - by 44.6%, vitamin D3 - by 40.5%. Medications, except for Vital and Essential Drugs, rose by an average of 24.6%. This information was denied by Roszdravnadzor for the Tambov region RBC Chernozemye: based on regular monitoring and the absence of complaints from residents, officials claim that the increase in the cost of medicines is not critical.