Access to pain relief medications will become easier

The state is taking a step towards patients who need strong pain relief medications, particularly in palliative care. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted a resolution amending the licensing conditions, which will come into force two months after its publication. These changes will allow for the expansion of the pharmacy network authorized to store and dispense medicines containing narcotic and psychotropic substances.

Today, there are only about 458 pharmacies operating in Ukraine that have the appropriate licenses. For many patients, especially in remote areas and rural areas, this means great difficulty in obtaining essential pain relief medications. Sometimes people have to travel dozens of kilometers to purchase the necessary medications.

To improve the situation, the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control has initiated changes to the regulatory framework. In particular, it is planned to allow pharmacies to store such drugs even in rented premises, provided that safety requirements are met. This will allow businesses to operate without the need to expand or remodel their premises, which will significantly reduce the financial burden and administrative barriers.

It is also planned to improve the procedure for obtaining a license for the circulation of narcotic drugs – within the limits of the law and in compliance with all control measures provided for by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Police.

For patients, this will mean that:

– medicines prescribed by a doctor for outpatient treatment will be available without unnecessary difficulties;

– individuals receiving palliative or hospice care at home will have better access to necessary pain relief for up to 30 days;

– the number of pharmacies dispensing such medicines will increase.

It is expected that once the changes are approved, access to controlled medicines will significantly improve for people who really need them.

This is another important step toward making medical care in Ukraine more humane, accessible, and modern.