"As soon as a real threat emerged regarding the slowdown of prices and the containment of inflation in this sector, a wave of resistance from intermediaries followed, who are interested in increasing drug prices. In fact, the 'mafia' of distributors in the pharmaceutical trade launched a powerful information attack against the leader of 'Batkivshchyna,' Yulia Tymoshenko, after she announced her intentions to investigate the schemes in the pharmaceutical market," stated the political analyst.
The expert believes that those interested in corrupt schemes are attempting to hinder the reduction of prices in pharmacies.
"Because right now, intermediaries are earning billions of hryvnias from the illnesses of Ukrainians, and, of course, they are not inclined to give up their profits, which is why we are witnessing another wave of disinformation against Yulia Volodymyrivna. Understanding the seriousness of her intentions in parliament, they resort to blatant lies. I would note that the information attack has started right now for a reason. As is known, next Tuesday, the temporary investigative commission (TIC) led by Yulia Tymoshenko will present proposals for legislative changes in the Verkhovna Rada," emphasized Havrylechenko.
The goal of the TIC is to dismantle corrupt schemes, bring order to the pharmaceutical sector, and eliminate price speculation on medical products, he added.
"The first meeting of the investigative commission regarding the unjustifiably high prices of drugs in Ukrainian pharmacies has already taken place. According to the commission's calculations, the annual profit of intermediary companies may exceed 10 billion UAH... So there is a lot at stake! If just one meeting of the parliamentary investigative commission led by Tymoshenko has provoked panic among distributors in the pharmaceutical market, one can only imagine what will happen next..." declared the expert.
In Havrylechenko's opinion, lobbyists will try to convince Ukrainians that low prices on medications are an unattainable dream.
"However, reducing drug prices is indeed possible. At least in the part that concerns the operation of corrupt schemes in the market. By breaking these schemes in drug trade and giving people the opportunity to purchase necessary medications outside of them – we will achieve fairer and more adequate prices for medical products," the political analyst is convinced.