Invasion of Ukraine: sanctions have increased the price of medical supplies in Russia by 20-70%
Sanctions against Russia have led to a violent increase in the price of medical equipment. Prices of medical services will also rise as a result
Imported medical products, including equipment, as well as consumables from distributors have increased in price by 20-70% since the start of a ‘special military operation’ (as the Russian media are obliged to call it, on pain of imprisonment) in Ukraine on 24 February and the introduction of economic sanctions against Russia.
Sanctions against Russia, the impact on citizens’ health
Alexander Mironov, CEO of the pharmacy chain Ryazan Pharma, Rashid Biktogirov, president of Apexmed (which buys medical equipment in 10 countries) and Evgeny Alekhin, director of the consultancy firm Regmedical, told Vedomosti.
In particular, the cost of blood pressure monitors, thermometers and inhalers from Japanese medical equipment manufacturer Omron has increased by 20%, says Mironov.
The dealer of this company, CS Medica Ryazan, has suspended sales due to revaluation because of turbulence in currency and financial markets and the high volatility of the ruble, its CEO Nadir Benkafadar explained to Vedomosti.
According to him, pharmacy chains in other regions have received similar notifications.
The impact of sanctions on Russia on the health system
Russia’s healthcare system thrives on public hospitals surrounded by a myriad of private micro-clinics, essentially aggregators of more or less numerous groups of specialists.
A certain affluence, and sometimes physical distance from large hospitals, has led citizens to refer frequently to private practitioners, even in the form of telemedicine consultations.
The monstrous rise in prices will undoubtedly increase the pressure on the public health system, but will also reduce citizens’ access to care.
Access to healthcare is one of the fundamental human rights, and in the medium term Russian citizens will be deprived of it, as a direct consequence of Putin’s policy and the reaction of his Western counterparts.
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