Kazakhstan fines 31 pharmacies for selling free medicines, totaling 12.3 million tenge
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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health has fined 31 pharmacies a total of 12.3 million tenge for selling free medicines. An additional 43 organizations received warnings to correct violations. The inspections revealed over 4,000 unauthorized medicines in 74 pharmacies.
Pharmacy Inspections
The Ministry of Health conducted inspections across 74 pharmacies in Kazakhstan. These inspections uncovered over 4,000 medicines that were being sold despite being listed as free under the state-guaranteed benefits package. Among the unauthorized items were sodium chloride and glucose solutions for infusions, as well as certain antibiotics.
Penalties and Warnings
As a result of the findings, 31 pharmacies were fined a total of 12.3 million tenge. Additionally, 43 other organizations received warnings and were instructed to rectify the identified issues. The Ministry aims to ensure compliance with regulations regarding the distribution of free medicines.
Government Meeting on Drug Sales
Vice Minister of Health Timur Muratov announced stricter penalties for the illegal sale of free medicines in pharmacies. This statement was made during a government meeting where the issue of ensuring the availability of free medicines was discussed.
What's Next
The Ministry of Health plans to continue monitoring pharmacies for compliance. It remains uncertain how these measures will impact the availability of medicines.
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Kazakhstan fines 31 pharmacies for selling free medicines, totaling 12.3 million tenge
