Bishkek, Oct. 10, 2025. /Kabar/. Ministry of Healthcare may introduce a zonal coefficient for medications in remote areas of the republic, Maryam Zhankrozova, Deputy Director of the Department of Medicines and Medical Devices at Kyrgyz Ministry of Healthcare told Kabar.
According to her, there is a shortage of pharmacies in remote and hard-to-reach areas of the country. We receive numerous complaints and requests to provide districts and villages with pharmacies. However, upon investigation, it became clear that it is not profitable for pharmacy owners to open them in remote areas of the country because we regulate retail prices for medications. This means that prices must be consistent across all pharmacies. However, bringing these medications to remote regions and selling them at this price is unprofitable for pharmacies. It is complicated and expensive. The pharmacies will not operate without economic benefits. Therefore, the introduction of a demographic or zonal coefficient is being considered. Perhaps such concept should be introduced, because difficulties with logistics are causing them to lose their profits. There must be a balance. We must consider the interests of both parties. We must address this issue in a balanced manner, Zhankorozova stated. Also, there is plan to create online pharmacies to provide medicine in remote and hard-to-reach regions.
In addition, the department informed that domestic manufacturers currently produce 712 types of medicines and 88 types of medical devices in Kyrgyzstan.