In 2023, the Ministry of Health slashed funding for centralized procurement of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs by 29%, dropping from 38 billion to 27 billion rubles compared to the previous year. This revelation was uncovered by analysts from the “Zdravresurs” group who delved into departmental data.
Their findings suggest that the ARV drugs acquired last year could potentially cater to treatment for 400,708 individuals, marking a 33% decrease from 2022, as per experts.
Despite this, ”Kommersant” reports that the Ministry of Health asserts an increase in the coverage of HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, reaching 89.3% in 2023 compared to 86.9% in 2022.
According to Rospotrebnadzor figures, the count of Russians living with HIV has surged by 27% over six years, escalating from 943,999 individuals in 2017 to 1,197,410 in 2023. The Ministry of Health notes an 18% rise in HIV patients under medical observation, climbing from 724,415 in 2017 to 855,142 in 2023.
The official statistics reveal a 118.2% surge in individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy, soaring from 346,132 in 2017 to 755,108 in 2023. However, “Zdravresurs” monitoring indicates that with current prices, the allocated funds in 2023 could only cover ARV drugs for 400,708 people, a 32% decrease (equivalent to 192,198 courses) from 2022.
As per the stipulations of law No. 44-FZ, institutions are mandated to procure medical supplies, including medications, through centralized means. The Russian Ministry of Health oversees the purchase and distribution of drugs to AIDS prevention and control centers.
Article sourced from theins.ru