“Council committee to deal with scandal surrounding the supply of bandages for people-butterflies Parliamentary health committee will examine the possible monopoly of Molnlycke Health Care in the market for bandages for patients with epidermolysis bullosa. The presence of a corruption component and the effectiveness of care products will be checked.”, — write on: unn.ua
Context
At its meeting on Thursday, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Health discussed the situation with providing bandages to patients with epidermolysis bullosa. During the discussion of the problem, representatives of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine pointed out that there is currently no competition in the market, which indicates the monopoly of the Swedish company Molnlycke Health Care and systemic corruption
“If a monopoly will be seen there (with the supply of bandages – ed.), then a monopoly is always wrong, unless there is a situation where there really is a single producer. But I understand that there is probably not a single producer, so, of course, the ministry and the committee will deal with this issue further. We will see what we will do,” said Wagner.
According to her, it is also necessary to find out whether there is a corruption component in the situation that has developed with the supply of bandages for patients with epidermolysis bullosa.
“I don’t know whether it’s corruption or not, this issue also needs to be dealt with, because it arose with us right before the committee. And to say that we have already received all the data is no,” Vagner said.
The People’s Deputy noted that the Ministry of Health is preparing proposals on how to influence this situation. “After the New Year, we agreed that we will meet and discuss this issue, and we will see what we will do next,” Wagner said.
At the same time, she added that as a doctor, she understands that patients should be provided with the bandages that suit them best.
“The manufacturer says that they are suitable, and patient organizations that they are not suitable, we also study this issue more thoroughly. What is acceptable is exactly what is needed for the patient,” Vagner emphasized.
We will remind
UNN launched an investigation to find out how the Swedish company Molnlycke Health Care, specializing in the production of bandages, managed to create a monopoly on the Ukrainian market. After all, the manufacturer secured undisputed dominance in state tenders for the purchase of wound care products for patients with epidermolysis bullosa. For example, they are trying to prevent a Ukrainian manufacturer from entering the market, which offers the same super-thin bandages, but four times cheaper. In particular, the preliminary analysis revealed a possible conflict of interest in tender purchases through the public union headed by Tetiana Kulesha. In particular, there are reasonable suspicions to believe that Molnlycke Health Care is using Kulesha to lobby for its own bandages.
For reference: Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic disease that makes the skin extremely fragile. Such patients are also called butterfly people. Even minor mechanical impact can cause blisters, open wounds and scars on their skin. This disorder affects not only the skin, but also nails, hair, and mucous membranes. Treatment includes special wound care, the use of protective dressings, drug therapy, and surgery in severe cases. Because of the significant impact on patients’ quality of life, ensuring access to necessary care is critical.