Yerevan /Mediamax/. Under the new Armenian law "On Drugs”, the drug prices will be regulated by the state.

The relevant regulation is contained in the draft amendment to the Armenian law “On Drugs” which will be submitted to the legislative body under today’s governmental decision.

Armenian Minister of Health Armen Muradyan said that the relevant legislative changes stem from the requirement to carry out proper international pharmaceutical activities.

“The 1998 law and the stemming legal acts and decisions don’t meet current international standards, which is why it was decided to create a completely new law hinged on the state regulation of drug prices”, said the Minister.

He noted that the new edition of the law will settle issues related to drug registration and re-registration. The new law also clarifies drug withdrawal conditions: in case the drug is not withdrawn within the set terms and dates, a penalty of 500-600 times of minimum salary will be applied. 

Touching upon the issue why the republic lacks a number of medicine, the Minister noted that if in need of concrete drugs, particular patients can file a request to the Ministry which will take steps to avail them.