OREANDA-NEWS. Delays in the contracting of medicines or non-fulfillment of obligations under contracts are mainly due to logistical difficulties. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Health Sergei Glagolev.

"What we see now in terms of either delay in contracting or non-fulfillment of obligations under already concluded contracts concerns mainly logistical difficulties," he said at a meeting of the State Duma committee on health protection.

Earlier, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko said that at present there is no sharp increase in prices for vital drugs in Russia, drugs are entering the Russian market. The head of Roszdravnadzor, Alla Samoilova, in turn, also said that manufacturers and distributors today do not see problems with the production and supply of medicines. According to her, the medicines missing from pharmacies are available from manufacturers and will soon go to pharmacy chains.

On March 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the heads of the regions to take "exhaustive measures" to ensure socio-economic stability. The head of state signed a corresponding decree "On measures to ensure socio-economic stability and protection of the population in the Russian Federation." The Russian leader also instructed the heads of regions to quickly monitor retail prices for essential goods and medicines, as well as check their availability.