The Affordable Medicines Program will be expanded this summer
Starting July 1, 2026, the “Affordable Medicines” state reimbursement program will undergo a major overhaul.
This was announced by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
A significant number of medications for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, covering all active ingredients officially available on the Ukrainian market, will be added to the list.
According to the head of the Cabinet of Ministers, patients will be able to receive these medications free of charge or with a small copayment. To do so, they must have an electronic prescription from a doctor, issued in accordance with outpatient treatment protocols.
The problem of heart disease remains critical for national health, as it accounts for about 60% of all deaths in the country.
Every year, more than 800,000 Ukrainians are diagnosed with coronary heart disease, and nearly 50,000 people suffer a heart attack.
Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized that many such cases can be prevented with timely and regular medication.
“For many people, this is daily treatment, so it is important that it be accessible and free of charge,” the Prime Minister emphasized during the presentation of plans for the second half of the year.
To date, the “Affordable Medicines” program already covers 748 items of medicines and medical devices.
Since its inception, over 6.18 million citizens have used the program’s services, and medications are dispensed at more than 17,000 pharmacies throughout Ukraine.
Expanding the program in 2026 will mark the next phase of supporting the population amid martial law and economic challenges.
The Prime Minister has already instructed the Ministry of Health to conduct the necessary consultations with representatives of the pharmaceutical market to technically launch the initiative.
The “Affordable Medicines” program has been expanded to include new medications
Previously, the Cabinet of Ministers authorized the sale of over-the-counter medications at gas stations. Gas station employees will be able to dispense medications under a license, and the premises must have a separate area designated for storing medications. The decision aims to make medications more accessible, particularly in rural areas and frontline regions.
The Ministry of Health and the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection have been tasked with monitoring prices for certain medications to prevent price hikes.
