OREANDA-NEWS. November 09, 2009. Supplies of medicines and the situation with flu cases in Russia were the subjects of discussion.

The President noted that he has set the task of developing the country’s pharmaceuticals industry and drawing up a list of strategically important medicines that Russia should produce domestically in order to ensure its independence from foreign suppliers. 

The Minister reported that the Government will soon examine the relevant draft law and explained the principles the ministry will use in its efforts to replace imported medicines and develop relevant innovation projects.

Mr Medvedev said that he will comment on the subject in his Address to the Federal Assembly (parliament).

Replying to the President’s question about the flu situation in Russia, Ms Golikova advised that the number of flu cases is similar to that of past years, and that vaccinations against the new flu virus would start on November 9. The Minister also noted that speculative tendencies are observed on the medicines market. 

Dmitry Medvedev noted that he will instruct the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service and the Prosecutor General’s Office to monitor developments on the pharmaceuticals market and initiate criminal proceedings in the case of unjustified price hikes. The necessary legislation for such action is now fully available. The President issued a relevant instruction to Prosecutor General Yury Chaika immediately following the meeting.

Mr Medvedev also suggested that Russia should help Ukraine to battle the flu epidemic there. Ms Golikova said that the decision has already been taken to send Russian anti-flu medicines to Ukraine as humanitarian aid. The Minister also proposed sending specialists to Ukraine to help carry out the necessary tests there.