The prices of more than 3,000 medicines have decreased since January 1, 2025, including the final price, which now incorporates a EUR 0.75 pharmacist service fee, Parliamentary Secretary of the Health Ministry, Artjoms Ursulskis, told the Saeima Submissions Committee on Wednesday.
MP Lauris Lizbovskis (United List) explained during the committee meeting that the new reform had caused confusion among some patients, as the prices of cheaper medicines were increasing. Pharmacists and pharmacies have also expressed their dissatisfaction, he added.
Responding to questions from MPs, Ursulskis explained that the mark-up on the cheapest medicines is now higher than before, but this is necessary to ensure the availability of all medicines.
He noted that wholesalers must supply all the medicines required by the population in the necessary quantities. Therefore, the market distribution of all medicines must be considered, with a higher market share for cheaper medicines. As a result, wholesalers, by supplying all medicines as needed, effectively “subsidize” the distribution of more expensive medicines or those requiring refrigeration.
At the same time, overall medicine prices have fallen, Ursulskis said.
Regarding the impact of the medicine price reform on patients, Ursulskis stated that since January 1, 2025, the prices of more than 3,000 medicines have decreased.
According to data collected by the State Medicines Agency as of January 3, 2025, the majority (84 percent) of prescription medicines have maintained their declared prices, while in 4 percent of cases, prices have decreased. Only 3 percent of prescription medicines have seen an increase, Ursulskis noted.
As reported, the medicine price reform developed by the Health Ministry aimed at reducing medicine costs came into force on January 1. To achieve this, the permitted mark-up for both wholesalers and pharmacies has been reduced. According to ministry estimates, medicine prices are expected to decrease by an average of 15 percent.
Under the new pricing model, wholesalers are now subject to a fixed mark-up of EUR 0.5 per pack of prescription medicines. A prescription service charge has also been introduced: buyers must pay EUR 0.75 per prescription, while the state will cover an additional EUR 0.75 for large pharmacies per prescription. For sole pharmacies in urban areas, the state will provide an additional EUR 1.75.
Source: BNS
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