Uzbekistan to Revise Costs of 6,000 Medicines
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan plans a large-scale reduction in medicine prices in 2026, with nearly 6,000 drugs set to become cheaper. In some cases, prices have already dropped by 40–60%, and further cuts are expected throughout the year.
Uzbek authorities plan to reduce prices for nearly 6,000 medicines during 2026, according to Abdullah Azizov, Director of the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency, following a presentation to the president.
A key step was the revision of reference prices on December 25, which led to an average price reduction of 40–60%. Wholesale prices for 2,000 medicines have already been lowered, and starting March 1, similar reductions will apply to retail prices for consumers.
From April 1, prices for an additional 4,000 imported medicines are expected to fall. Overall, around 6,000 drugs will be affected by price revisions during the year.
Azizov noted that the measures have saved the country approximately $70 million. However, distributors who had previously purchased medicines at higher prices incurred losses. To support businesses, the president approved the reimbursement of nearly $20 million in excess payments.
The agency emphasized that price revisions will continue on an ongoing basis. Currently, more than 11,900 prescription medicines are registered in Uzbekistan, about 7,600 of which are imported.
Reference pricing has been in effect since 2020 and is based on comparing prices in the country of origin and other markets. In 2026, Turkey and Egypt were added to the list of reference countries due to their relatively low medicine prices. Earlier reports noted that about 65% of imported medicines were supplied exclusively to the Uzbek market, contributing to inflated prices.
A key step was the revision of reference prices on December 25, which led to an average price reduction of 40–60%. Wholesale prices for 2,000 medicines have already been lowered, and starting March 1, similar reductions will apply to retail prices for consumers.
From April 1, prices for an additional 4,000 imported medicines are expected to fall. Overall, around 6,000 drugs will be affected by price revisions during the year.
Azizov noted that the measures have saved the country approximately $70 million. However, distributors who had previously purchased medicines at higher prices incurred losses. To support businesses, the president approved the reimbursement of nearly $20 million in excess payments.
The agency emphasized that price revisions will continue on an ongoing basis. Currently, more than 11,900 prescription medicines are registered in Uzbekistan, about 7,600 of which are imported.
Reference pricing has been in effect since 2020 and is based on comparing prices in the country of origin and other markets. In 2026, Turkey and Egypt were added to the list of reference countries due to their relatively low medicine prices. Earlier reports noted that about 65% of imported medicines were supplied exclusively to the Uzbek market, contributing to inflated prices.
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