Checheybaev emphasized that patients often do not know how medications work and what their side effects are. "Doctors and pharmaceutical companies know what patients really need. People do not think about the cost of medications and are willing to spend any amount, even selling their property. Therefore, state regulation is necessary. The health of the population should be a priority, not the interests of the pharmaceutical business," he said.
The minister also mentioned the creation of the organization "Kyrgyzpharmacy," which is supposed to address issues in this area. "Yes, there were shortcomings and cases of corruption. Chief doctors were signing contracts for the supply of medications for their institutions, which created unequal conditions. Now 'Kyrgyzpharmacy' will work with manufacturers on a long-term basis, which will allow for purchasing medicines at more favorable prices," he added.
Unfortunately, Checheybaev noted, Kyrgyz citizens take too many medications, as the market has been handed over to private hands.He also expressed the opinion that the more pharmacies there are in the country, the higher the volume of medication sales, and the more people will use them. "It is necessary to reduce the number of pharmacies and stop advertising medications. Why is the advertising of alcohol and tobacco banned, but not medications? Patients see advertisements and go for medications instead of getting prescriptions from doctors," the minister stated.
Checheybaev added that in developed countries, there is usually one pharmacy per quarter, where purchasing antibiotics is difficult. "Doctors first recommend water and teas. Antibiotics do help, but they can harm the liver and kidneys. Antibiotics should not be taken for the flu or ARVI. If the illness is serious, then antibiotics should be used, but for mild symptoms, it is better to stick to tea with honey and bed rest," he concluded.
