Medicine prices may go up by 30% in Kazakhstan, the country's MP Guldara Nurumova told the media. According to her, owners of some small pharmacies, especially in rural areas, find it challenging to adhere to international standards; equipment, furniture renewal, and premises redevelopment would cost KZT 5mn on average. Besides, only 8% of some 10,000 pharmacies across the republic meet GPP criteria. Therefore, according to the MP, pharmaceutical companies close, forcing their employees to contribute to the unemployment rate.
To date, 150 pharmacies have shut down, and 300 pharmacies are in the process of closing, MP noted.
All this can lead to market monopolization, increased shadow turnover, and the absence of pharmacies within walking distance. Pharmaceutical companies in the country have introduced enough existing rules and regulations. There is no need to introduce other requirements',
Guldada Nurumova concluded.
The Health Ministry regulates pharmacies in Kazakhstan, including state-owned, private, and chain pharmacies. The state-owned pharmacies are usually located in hospitals and clinics and are subsidized by the government. Private pharmacies are owned by individuals or companies, while large corporations own chain pharmacies.
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