Ukraine changes rules for storing medicines during martial law
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has simplified the rules for storing medicines during martial law. Pharmaceutical companies will be able to promptly attract additional warehouses and distribute stocks between several facilities to reduce the risk of their loss as a result of Russian attacks.
The government made the decision on August 26, and on August 27 the Ministry of Health explained the new rules in detail. The Cabinet notes that the changes became necessary due to Russia's systematic strikes on production, warehouse and logistics facilities.
Concentration of significant stocks of medicines in one place creates a risk of supply disruptions if a warehouse is damaged or destroyed. The new rules should allow companies to move products faster and continue supplying them to pharmacies and medical institutions.
Medicines allowed to be stored in additional warehouses
During martial law, pharmaceutical companies will be able to place medicines, active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients for drug production and related goods not only in warehouses specified in their license register.
If necessary, the company will be able to use an additional warehouse premises that is not yet included in its license register. Another option is to use the warehouse of another company that has the appropriate license.
Thus, if a threat arises, businesses will be able to distribute stocks faster between several sites, not limited to pre-registered warehouse facilities.
From additional premises, it is allowed not only to store products, but also to directly dispense and ship medicines and related goods. This means that after moving stocks, they will not have to be returned to the main warehouse for further shipment to customers.
Requirements for medicine safety remain
Another simplification concerns cases when one licensed company provides its warehouse capacity for products of another. In such a situation, it will not be necessary to additionally confirm the compliance of the already used premises with the requirements of good manufacturing or distribution practice - GMP or GDP.
At the same time, the requirements for the quality and safety of drugs are not canceled. Companies are still obliged to comply with the necessary storage conditions for medicines, ensure the preservation of their quality and the ability to trace product movement.
Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky said that the changes will allow pharmaceutical companies to be more flexible in organizing logistics and distributing stocks amid the constant threat of strikes on warehouse infrastructure.
The government expects that the new rules will reduce the likelihood of a situation where the destruction of one large warehouse leads to supply disruptions or a shortage of certain medicines for patients.
Based on materials: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine
