The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, by its Resolution No. 1135 of 17 September 2026, the draft of which was developed with the participation of specialists from the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, amended the Licensing Conditions for the Practice of Economic Activity in the Production of Medicines, Wholesale and Retail Trade in Medicines, Import of Medicines (Except Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 929 of 30 November 2016.
The adopted changes are aimed at simplifying the work of pharmacy establishments, reducing administrative burden and expanding opportunities to provide the population with medicines in the conditions of martial law.
During the period of martial law and for three months from the date of its termination or cancellation, the verification of the compliance of the material and technical base and the qualification of the personnel before issuing a license for retail trade in medicines shall be carried out by processing the documents submitted without mandatory departure to the place of business. This approach shall also be applied in the case of obtaining a license, expanding the relevant type of business activity and creating a new place of business.
Pharmacy establishments are allowed to market medicines and other goods, except for goods whose marketing in pharmacies will be prohibited by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
The possibility of involving qualified employees of other licensees in the manufacture of medicines in the conditions of a pharmacy and retail trade in medicines on the basis of civil law contracts.
During the period of leave, temporary disability or other absence provided for by law, its functions may be assigned to another employee who meets the established qualification requirements, without the need to notify the licensing authority of such temporary replacement.
Expanding the circle of employees who can dispense medicines. In cities, prescription and non-prescription medicines will be able to be dispensed independently by pharmaceutical professionals. Pharmacist interns, as well as employees with education in the specialty "Nursing" and a corresponding certificate, will be able to dispense medicines under the supervision of a pharmacist.
In villages and settlements, staff with a relevant education in nursing and a certificate are allowed to dispense prescription and non-prescription medicines independently. Other staff of the licensee may be involved under the supervision of a pharmacist or a pharmacist's assistant only in the dispensing of non-prescription medicines.
Expanding the possibilities for using the commercial space of pharmacies. In the halls for serving the population, it is allowed to place bank machines, payment terminals and other payment devices, as well as to lease or sublease part of the commercial hall to other business entities. If retail trade in medicines is carried out on such an area, the relevant business entity must have the necessary license.
The changes introduced should create more flexible conditions for the opening and operation of pharmacy establishments, help solve staffing issues and ensure the availability of medicines to the population.
At the same time, the requirements for the quality of medicines, compliance with the proper conditions of their storage, the qualifications of staff and the established rules for dispensing medicines remain unchanged.
The SMDC of Ukraine continues to work on improving the regulatory framework of the pharmaceutical sector, taking into account the conditions of martial law, the needs of patients and business entities.