In Kyrgyzstan, there has been a significant decrease in drug prices, amounting to 25–30%. This was reported by the country's Minister of Health, Erkin Chechebaev, during the "Kabar podcast".
According to him, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the pharmaceutical sector ended up entirely in the hands of private individuals. However, this model proved to be ineffective, as the pharmaceutical industry requires a special approach where standard market mechanisms are not always applicable.
Chechebaev noted that patients often lack the necessary information about medications.
“Many people do not know which drugs they need even for simple illnesses. Knowledge about medications is concentrated among doctors and pharmaceutical companies. Patients are forced to purchase prescribed medications without considering their prices. This creates vulnerability to price inflation and manipulation,” he added.
The Minister of Health reported that to improve the situation, the government established the company "Kyrgyzpharmacy," which takes on centralized procurement of medications. This decision has proven to be the most effective.
“Previously, each medical organization conducted its own tenders and interacted independently with various suppliers. This created opportunities for corruption and supply disruptions. Now, purchases are made through a single tender, ensuring transparency and savings. Since 2025, we have started purchasing drugs at 25-30% lower prices, which allows us to increase the volume of supplies to hospitals,” the minister noted.
Chechebaev also added that previously contracts were concluded for only one year, which led to delays with licenses and certificates. As a result, hospitals sometimes went without medications for up to six months. Now, "Kyrgyzpharmacy" will conclude long-term contracts for 5–6 years, which will eliminate disruptions in the supply of medical products and medications.
