In the Lviv region, during the first seven months of 2026, a large-scale inspection of pharmacy chains and other establishments selling medicinal products was conducted. According to the Main Department of the State Service of Food Safety and Consumer Protection of the region, violations of state price regulation rules were detected in 67% of the 43 inspected entities. This indicates a systemic problem with compliance with legislation in the pharmaceutical sector in the region.
Scope of Inspections and Key Violations
Specialists of the State Service of Food Safety and Consumer Protection conducted 43 scheduled and unscheduled inspections of pharmacies and other business entities trading in medicines. The main focus was on compliance with state-established limits on trade markups. The most common violation was the application of markups exceeding the legally permitted 10–35%. In some cases, markups reached 27–78%, which is two to three times higher than the allowable norms.
History of Medicine Price Regulation in Ukraine
State regulation of prices for medicinal products in Ukraine was introduced on March 1, 2025. At that time, the government limited trade markups for pharmacies: no more than 35% on over-the-counter drugs and a regressive scale for medicines from the National List. At the beginning of 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers strengthened control — competent authorities were instructed to monitor the cost of medicines weekly and fine pharmacies for unjustified markups. However, as the inspection results in the Lviv region show, these measures have not yet led to full compliance with the rules.
Contradictory Data
On the one hand, the State Service of Food Safety and Consumer Protection claims that inspections are conducted regularly and violations are recorded. On the other hand, some representatives of pharmacy chains state that high markups are due to rising wholesale prices and logistics costs, which are not always taken into account when setting limits. This creates tension between the regulator and the business, requiring further dialogue and possibly legislative adjustments.
Consequences for Consumers and the Market
Pricing violations directly affect the availability of medicines for the population. High markups make essential drugs less accessible, especially for socially vulnerable groups. Furthermore, this undermines confidence in the state regulation system and creates conditions for shadow trade. Experts warn that without effective control and transparency, the market may face even greater problems.
What's Next? Regulator's Plans
The State Service of Food Safety and Consumer Protection promises to strengthen control and increase the number of inspections during the remaining months of 2026. Additional sanctions for violators are also planned, including suspension of activities and heavy fines. However, as experts note, the key factor for success will not only be stricter control but also improved communication with pharmacy chains to find a balance between business interests and consumer needs.
