The sanctions imposed on Russia due to the Ukraine military operation could severely harm the pharmaceutical market.
The pharmacy chain is following orders to stock up on goods for two months to prevent price hikes and reduce panic due to shortages.
The Zhivika pharmacy chain in Yekaterinburg is stockpiling goods for two months to prevent price increases and reduce panic due to shortages, in response to sanctions imposed on Russia for the military operation in Ukraine.
A representative expressed concern that the shortage of drugs from the US, France, and Germany could harm the pharmaceutical market, as domestic drugs may be of lower quality and rely on imported components.
There is a severe shortage of heart disease medications, mainly produced in the US, as well as hormonal and bronchial asthma medications.
Statistics show that cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in almost half the cases in the Sverdlovsk region.
The scarcity of foreign heart medications is a major concern, as they are essential and cannot be easily replaced. While prices are currently stable due to existing stock, the focus is on preventing panic by ensuring a six-month supply of drugs.
The pharmacy network was last instructed to stock up on drugs in 2014-2015, following the annexation of Crimea.
