Ukrainians spend UAH 54 bln on medications in 2017

In 2017, Ukrainians spent UAH 14 billion on homeopathic, phytotherapeutic drugs and other medical products, the effectiveness of which is not confirmed.  

This is stated in a study conducted at the initiative of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, expres.ua reports.

According to the findings, in 2017, Ukrainians left almost UAH 54 billion in pharmacies, of which 26% or 14 billion was spent on medical products, the effectiveness of which is not confirmed.

As an example, the authors of the study cite the medication that is a calf blood extract. Last year Ukrainians spent UAH 342 million on this medication and it took second place in the overall rating of drug sales, although there are no recognized scientific grounds for its use in the world.

According to the research, in 2017, UAH 183 million in budget funds were spent on medications without proven effectiveness during hospital purchases.

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