Kazakhstan Parliament Grapples with Soaring Drug Prices and Counterfeit Medicines

Kazakhstan Parliament Debates Soaring Medicine Prices and Counterfeit Drugs June 4, 2025 - NUR-SULTAN, KAZAKHSTAN - A heated debate unfolded today in Kazakhstan's Majilis (lower house of parliament) over the escalating cost of medicines and the prevalence of counterfeit drugs. Deputy Murat Abenov led the charge, accusing the Ministry of Health of allowing prices to reach almost double those in Russia, a country currently under sanctions. He stated, "Instead of real medicines, citizens are forced to buy fake ones. Why does the Ministry of Health deny this?" The Vice Minister of Health, Ardak Amangeldiev, responded that the ministry revised its pricing policies in 2024, anticipating price reductions of up to 30% at retail and 19% under the Guaranteed Volume of Obligatory Medical Insurance (GOVBMP) and ОСМС. However, he cautioned that overly aggressive price cuts could create drug shortages. He further stated that "Facts of purchasing counterfeit products have not been established." Abenov expressed dissatisfaction with the response, pressing for identification of responsible individuals. The Chair of the Supreme Audit Chamber, Alihan Smailov, confirmed that five cases have been referred to law enforcement. The debate highlights deep concerns about the accessibility and affordability of essential medicines for ordinary Kazakhstanis, raising questions about government oversight and the pharmaceutical industry's practices. Further investigation is needed to address these serious issues and ensure the health and well-being of the population.