Breast cancer drugs are now on the list of free drugs: details of the program update
7 November 05:19
The state program “Affordable Medicines” has been expanded to include 12 medicines for the treatment of breast cancer. They can be obtained free of charge or with a partial co-payment in pharmacies participating in the program. This was announced by Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“12 drugs for the treatment of breast cancer in the “Affordable Medicines” program,” the head of the Ministry of Health said.
What drugs have been added
The updated list includes medicines with the following active ingredients:
- exemestane
- letrozole
- andtamoxifen.
Previously, these drugs were procured centrally by the state. Now they have switched to the reimbursement model, which means that patients will be able to receive medicines directly at the pharmacy, and the state will reimburse the cost to pharmacies through the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU).
What changes for patients
According to Lyashko, this approach allows to optimize the system of drug supply.
Centralized procurement will remain only for expensive and high-tech drugs, and long-term treatment courses will be transferred to the pharmacy reimbursement system – as in the EU countries.
“To make the transition comfortable, healthcare facilities can use the previously procured stocks of these drugs until they are completely exhausted,” the Minister explained.
Why is this necessary?
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the decision will allow thousands of Ukrainian patients to receive the necessary treatment without interruptions and dependence on hospital supplies.
Breast cancer requires long-term treatment aimed at lowering estrogen levels, and any delays can affect the effectiveness of therapy.
“The opportunity to receive medications close to home – without being tied to a specific hospital – means continuity of treatment and a higher quality of life,” added Lyashko.
How to use the program
To receive medicines free of charge or with a partial co-payment:
- Contact your doctor and get an electronic prescription.
- Visit a pharmacy marked “Here are the Affordable Medicines”.
- Get your medicines for free or with a small co-payment.
For reference
The “Affordable Medicines” program operates throughout Ukraine and covers more than 16 thousand pharmacies. It provides citizens with medicines for the treatment of the most common chronic diseases – cardiovascular, diabetes, asthma, and now some types of cancer.
You can check whether the drug you need is on the list using the Ask Hrytsia chatbot created by the NGO “Drugs Control” based on open NHS data.
