State Management of the Sphere of Circulation of Medicines in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

This article analyzes the state management of the sphere of circulation of medicines in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyzes the reasons for the shortage of medicines in the specified period. The authors conducted a sociological survey, which made it possible to identify the main problems faced by the population during the COVID-19 pandemic. All major players in the pharmaceutical market of the Republic of Kazakhstan are analyzed. The activity of «SK-Pharmacy» during the COVID-19 pandemic was considered, and measures aimed at eliminating ineffective management identified in the work of a single distributor of medicines were analyzed. The measures of the state to reduce prices for essential medicines during a pandemic are considered. Based on domestic and foreign experience, an analysis of external reference pricing for medicines was carried out. The expenditures of the population on health care, including on medicines, were considered. The study resulted in the proposed measures to improve public administration in the sphere of drug circulation in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is concluded that the state needs to take several measures in the field of drug circulation to prevent a possible shortage of pharmaceuticals and contain drug prices during future pandemics. It is necessary to increase funding for the health care system, including for medicines, without shifting the financial burden on the population and employers. It is necessary to build an effective system of pricing for medicines, which would consider the peculiarities of the global and Kazakhstani pharmaceutical market.