The State Duma’s Health Protection Committee has proposed an amendment to law № 444969-8, allowing district hospitals in small towns without pharmacies to sell medications starting September 1, 2024. Currently, only outpatient clinics, feldsher-midwife stations, and general practice departments have this right. The authors believe that district hospitals are well-suited for this role due to their larger capacities.
It is expected that this measure will increase the availability of medicines in settlements where there are no pharmacies. At the same time, the committee rejected the proposal received from the Altai Regional Legislative Assembly, which was to introduce into the legal field mobile complexes of medical organizations with a license for pharmaceutical activities. This proposal requires careful refinement, the committee believes.