Current issue #27, 2015

Social manipulations

Moscow region’s Ministry of Health and leading pharmacy chains make arrangements on discounts

From the end of September, social card holders in Moscow region will be receiving a 5% discount at regional pharmacies. The Moscow region Governor issued a relevant order to the local ministry of health. It is known that the project will embrace five large pharmacy chains, including A5. Presently, the businesses and regulators are discussing collaboration details. Experts see in this joint project a mutually advantageous information support, because in practice, pharmacies implemented a system of discounts long ago.

[PharmVestnik # 27, 08/09/2015, p. 1, cont’d p. 4]

Not to be eliminated

Government does not need Roszdravnadzor

In early September, Vice-Premier Olga Golodets informed that the Russian Government was discussing a possibility of transferring the functions of the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare and Social Development (Roszdravnadzor) to the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor). This information has immediately alerted the Ministry of Health to declare that the industry needed an independent highly professional monitoring service protecting citizens’ rights to medical aid, efficacious and safe drugs and medical devices, which, in the ministry’s opinion, Roszdravnadzor currently embodies.

[PharmVestnik # 27, 08/09/2015, p. 2]

Fighting over debts

Counterparts’ dispute moved to a new level

An ordinary dispute between a wholesaler and a pharmacy chain has gone public. In late August, JSC RPC Katren forwarded to 11 largest distributors a letter stating that pharmacy chain Aprel (Krasnodar) owed Katren more than 12 mn RUB. Letters containing uncomplimentary remarks regarding the pharmacy chain were also sent to the Krasnodar Territorial Department of the Federal Tax Service and Southern Branch of the Bank of Russia. In turn, the pharmacy chain Aprel distributed among the company’s partners a letter carrying its view of the situation.

[PharmVestnik # 27, 08/09/2015, p. 3]

Dodging the Globe

Sanctions do not hamper international cooperation

At the meeting with the President of Egypt at the end of August, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov discussed cooperation prospects in the pharmaceutical field. But the “pharaoh country” is not the only potential partner. The Ministry of Industry and Trade retargeted to developing relationships with Latin American, Afric...