Shmyhal announces social policy changes from March 1

Speaking at a government meeting on Friday, Shmyhal said that housing assistance payments for internally displaced persons (IDPs) would be automatically extended for another six months, Ukrinform reports.

"Those currently receiving these payments -- approximately 1.2 million IDPs -- will continue to receive them without the need for reapplication," he said.

Additionally, pension indexation will begin on March 1, with a planned increase of 11.5% benefiting nearly ten million retirees.

The prime minister also announced that prices for 100 of the most commonly used medicines would be reduced starting tomorrow.

"Furthermore, we have reached an agreement with Ukrainian pharmaceutical companies to lower prices on an additional 100 medical drugs, with reductions ranging from 10% to 50%," Shmyhal said.

The Cabinet of Ministers earlier introduced discounts on medications for patients with chronic illnesses and expanded access to individual drug assistance programs.

Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine