Price Gouging of Medicines in Kazakhstan: A Parliament Member Speaks Out

Price Gouging Scandal Rocks Kazakhstan's Pharma Industry Kazakhstan is facing a growing controversy over the dramatic price discrepancies of essential medicines. A recent report by Qazaq.today highlights the issue, focusing on paracetamol, where prices fluctuate wildly from pharmacy to pharmacy. According to the report, a single paracetamol tablet can cost anywhere from 59 tenge to 144 tenge, a difference of more than double the price. This issue is not isolated to paracetamol; the report suggests this price inflation is widespread among domestically produced drugs. "Domestic factories set their prices based on the cost of foreign analogs, even if those analogs aren't sold in our country," explains Ashat Aymagambetov, a member of the Majilis (the lower house of the Kazakh Parliament), in the video. "This leads to situations where domestic drugs are more expensive than the original versions." Adding to the problem, the report reveals that free medications provided by the government are being sold in some pharmacies. This practice undermines the healthcare system and raises serious ethical concerns. The significant price discrepancies and the illegal sale of government-funded medications require immediate attention from regulatory bodies. The government must act swiftly to address this issue and ensure fair pricing and equitable access to essential medicines for all citizens. Increased transparency and stricter regulations are crucial to preventing further exploitation of consumers.