The myth of cheap medicine in Europe: what do Ukrainians say? (VIDEO)

You can often hear that medicines are cheaper in Europe than in Ukraine. Such a statement is sometimes spread even by people’s deputies. However, if we set aside the mandatory insurance in EU countries and reimbursement programs, then in reality, drugs can be purchased much cheaper in Ukrainian pharmacies. Journalists UNN conducted a survey to find out how Ukrainians assess the difference in drug prices between Ukraine and the EU.

The results indicate that many citizens are aware of the real state of affairs.

“I think they are approximately the same (prices for medicines – ed.), maybe some cheaper, some more expensive.”

“I think about the same.”

“I think that the prices are the same, but the standard of living here and there (differs – ed.).”

“I know for sure that there are many more pharmacies in Ukraine, and accordingly they compete more with each other, so some of them 100% offer lower prices.”

“It’s more expensive in the European Union. I live in Germany, I came for a week. Medicines are much more expensive there, if you don’t have insurance, very simple medicines there can easily reach 10 euros.”

“Equally”.

“I don’t think they are much more expensive, but they are more difficult to get in the EU because there is more bureaucracy with medicines.”

However, there were also those who believe that prices in Ukraine may be higher, if the ratio to wages is taken into account.

“According to our salaries, it’s more expensive,” said one of the interviewees.

“I think that the prices in Ukraine are a little more expensive than in the EU,” shared the opinion of another survey participant.

Reality and myths

A study of drug prices conducted by journalists showed that some drugs in Ukraine are indeed much cheaper than in EU countries. For example, the well-known pain reliever and antipyretic “Nurofen” can be purchased in Ukraine from 189.10 to 345.51 hryvnias for a package of 24 capsules. In Europe, it costs at least 7.39 euros or 322.10 UAH for a package of 20 capsules.

It is worth noting that most European countries have strict pricing regulations that take into account not only the interests of patients, but also pharmaceutical companies. In turn, this limits competition and choices, while in Ukraine the market remains more open and accessible to different manufacturers, which allows patients to look for options that are optimal for the price. Therefore, it is important to analyze specific examples and remember that the cost of drugs depends on many factors that should be taken into account when comparing prices.