Pharmacies disregarding reference prices and overcharging for medications
Title: Overpriced Medicines Sold in Tashkent Pharmacies Expose Gaps in Pricing Regulations
In Uzbekistan, there is a strict maximum retail price set for medicines to protect consumers from being overcharged. However, recent investigations by Kun.uz have uncovered that some pharmacies in Tashkent are selling certain medications at prices well above the reference rates.
The Pharmaceutical Safety Center under the Ministry of Health regularly updates and publishes the maximum allowable prices for both locally produced and imported medicines on their official Telegram channel. Despite these efforts, many members of the public remain unaware of the existence of such a price list, leading to instances of inflated prices for essential medications.
For example, medications like the Bulgarian-imported “Almagel” and the Uzbek-manufactured “Mikan” are being sold in Tashkent pharmacies at prices significantly higher than their set maximum prices. While the reference prices for these medications are clearly defined, some pharmacies are charging almost double the recommended amount.
Platforms like “Arzon Apteka” and “Oson Apteka” have been essential tools for the public to search for medicines and compare prices to ensure they are not being overcharged. By utilizing these platforms, Kun.uz was able to verify that several pharmacies in the capital were indeed selling medications at prices higher than the established maximum rates.
The issue of overpriced medicines extends to a variety of medications, including “Bromhexine Berlin-Chemie,” “Nazivin,” “Avamys,” “Tabex,” and “Multi-Tabs Baby,” among others. Despite the set reference prices, these medications are being sold at prices significantly above the capped amounts in various pharmacies in Tashkent.
While there are mechanisms in place for consumers to request refunds for overpaid amounts, such as scanning a QR code on the receipt using the tax mobile app, there are challenges in ensuring transparency and compliance. A small survey conducted by Kun.uz revealed that many individuals do not register receipts in the app, and in some cases, pharmacy staff do not provide receipts at all.
Efforts to improve transparency in drug pricing include the launch of the UzPharmInfo mobile app, although its availability is currently limited to iOS devices. Further promotion and updates to the app could enhance its impact in monitoring and reducing instances of overpriced medicines.
Overall, addressing the issue of overpriced medicines in Tashkent pharmacies requires a collaborative effort from regulatory authorities, pharmacies, and consumers. By increasing awareness of reference prices, promoting transparency in pricing, and ensuring compliance with regulations, steps can be taken towards ensuring fair pricing and accessibility to essential medications for all residents of Uzbekistan.
