---
title: "Revolution in Access to Medicine: How the 'Affordable Medicines' Program Will Change the Lives of Ukrainians from 2026"
description: "From July 2026, the 'Affordable Medicines' program in Ukraine will become even more extensive: more than 50 new drugs will be added to the list 💊. The government has allocated 8.7 billion hryvnias to provide patients with free medicines and support domestic manufacturers 🇺🇦. In one year, almost 2 million Ukrainians have already used the program's services."
date: 2026-06-04T15:22:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/revolution-in-access-to-medicine-affordable-medicines-program-ukraine-2026
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Revolution in Access to Medicine: How the 'Affordable Medicines' Program Will Change the Lives of Ukrainians from 2026

![A pharmacist in a pharmacy checks information about medication using a smartphone, illustrating the implementation of digital technologies under the 'Affordable Medicines' program in Ukraine starting in 2026.](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/04/dostupnye-lekarstva-2026-novye-preparaty-ukraina/dostupnye-lekarstva-2026-novye-preparaty-ukraina-1.webp)

The Ukrainian healthcare system is preparing for major changes. Starting in July 2026, an updated version of the state program 'Affordable Medicines' will come into effect, which will radically expand patient opportunities. The list of free and preferential drugs will include more than 50 new items, which will be an important step in the fight against drug shortages and ensuring access to therapy for millions of citizens.

### Expansion of the list: 51 new drugs

As reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko, the government has decided to include another 51 international non-proprietary names of medicinal products in the updated registry. This means that from 2026, patients will be able to receive these drugs via an electronic prescription for free or with a minimal co-payment, depending on the drug category.

Previously, in early April, the Ministry of Health had already conducted an update, adding 37 new drugs in various dosages. After these changes, the total list of the program numbered 748 items. The new expansion will be a logical continuation of work on improving public health and reducing the financial burden on families.

### Priority for domestic manufacturers

The government is paying special attention to supporting the Ukrainian pharmaceutical industry. Yulia Sviridenko explained that a new priority system has been introduced: if a domestic manufacturer offers a drug that meets all established quality requirements and has the lowest price, it receives an advantage when included in the program.

This approach is designed to stimulate the development of domestic production, which, according to the Cabinet of Ministers, will ensure supply stability and independence from imports in critical situations.

### Finances and coverage: program figures

To implement ambitious plans, the state is allocating significant funds. In 2026, funding for the 'Affordable Medicines' program has been increased to 8.7 billion hryvnias. The scale of support is already yielding tangible results:

    - Over the entire existence of the program, more than 6 million Ukrainians have used it.

    - Since the beginning of the current year alone, almost 2 million patients have received drugs under the program.

These data confirm that the electronic prescription mechanism works effectively, and the demand for state support in the medical field remains high. The program allows for the receipt of life-saving drugs for free or with a partial co-payment, making treatment accessible to a wide range of the population.

### How to get medicine if there is no pharmacy nearby?

An important aspect remains the logistics of obtaining medications. Previously, RBC-Ukraine explained how to act in situations where there are no pharmacies in a settlement that have a contract with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU). In such cases, patients must look for alternative ways to receive assistance, using the possibilities of inter-regional interaction or specialized pickup points, which can be found through official Ministry of Health channels.

From July 2026, Ukrainians will be able to count on an even wider selection of medications, which will be an important stage in the restoration and development of the country's healthcare system.