Kazakhstan's Medicine Crisis: Soaring Prices and the Struggle for Affordable Healthcare

Rising Drug Costs in Kazakhstan Spark Public Outcry and Government Response Kazakhstan is facing growing concerns over the escalating cost of medications, impacting a significant portion of the population. Citizens report spending 30,000-40,000 tenge monthly on essential drugs, a substantial amount for many. "It's almost my entire pension," laments one elderly woman interviewed in the report. This financial strain is compounded by seasonal health issues, with increased medication needs during winter illnesses and summer allergies. In response, the Ministry of Health is reviewing price-setting policies to make medicines more accessible. However, experts caution that simply adjusting prices without a comprehensive approach could lead to shortages of vital medications. Asel Zhanatbekova, Head of the National Center for Expertise of Medicinal Products, notes that while price reductions are planned, a complex solution is necessary. "The scale of reduction may be from 2-5%, and we have also applied the average prices for imported medicines," she explains. The video also highlights the impact of recent medication marking regulations, which have led to the disappearance of 34% of drugs priced below 1,000 tenge from some pharmacies. This has resulted in the substitution of cheaper drugs with more expensive analogs, further exacerbating the problem. The situation underscores the need for a multifaceted solution that addresses not only pricing but also distribution and regulatory challenges to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all Kazakhstani citizens.