The government is preparing to expand the state-run “Affordable Medicines” program starting July 1, 2026, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced.
“We will add a significant number of medications for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases based on all active ingredients available in Ukraine. They will be available free of charge or with a partial copayment via an electronic prescription. I have heard a report on this from Health Minister Viktor Lyashko,” Svyrydenko wrote on her Telegram channel.
She emphasized that cardiovascular diseases account for about 60% of deaths in Ukraine. Every year, over 800,000 people are diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, and nearly 50,000 suffer a heart attack. A significant portion of these cases can be prevented with regular treatment and monitoring.
“The ‘Affordable Medicines’ program is a key support tool. It has already benefited 6.18 million Ukrainians, with medications available at 17,348 pharmacies. The program already includes 748 items, with the highest demand for medications for cardiovascular diseases. For many people, this is daily treatment, so it is important that it be accessible and free of charge,” the prime minister emphasized.
She added that in the second half of the year, the program will include medications containing all active ingredients available in Ukraine that are necessary for outpatient treatment of such diseases in accordance with medical protocols. The Ministry of Health has been tasked with consulting the market and preparing a decision for the program’s launch.
