Russia Expands List of Essential Medications

The Russian Government has officially revised the register of vital and essential medicines. This regulatory change is designed to ensure that critical treatments remain accessible to the population. The update focuses on adding specific international nonproprietary names (INN) to the existing list. This standardization helps in the procurement and distribution of generic and branded medications across the country.

By expanding this list, the government aims to address specific medical needs that were previously underrepresented. The inclusion of these drugs is a direct response to the clinical requirements of patients suffering from complex diseases. The move is expected to facilitate better healthcare delivery in hospitals and clinics nationwide.

A total of eight new medications have been included in the updated list. These drugs are specifically indicated for treating severe and often life-threatening conditions. The additions cover a broad spectrum of medical specialties, from hematology to oncology and cardiology.

The specific conditions targeted by these new drugs include:

• Anemia: A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
• Neutropenia: A reduction in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell vital for fighting infections.
• Recurrent pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, that returns repeatedly.
• Tuberculosis: A potentially serious infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs.
• Malignant neoplasms: Another term for cancerous tumors.

These additions represent a significant step forward in treating patients with these specific diagnoses. Access to these medications on the vital list often ensures better insurance coverage and state support for procurement.

While the expansion is welcomed, experts have raised concerns regarding the selection process. They reminded the public that the initial plan included four additional drugs that did not make the final list for this update. This discrepancy has led to calls for a more rigorous and open methodology.

The experts are requesting that the discussion surrounding the formation of the list be made «transparent and understandable». They argue that clarity in the decision-making process is crucial for trust and efficiency in the healthcare system. Ensuring that the criteria for inclusion are clear will help prevent future confusion or omissions of necessary medications.