Kyrgyzstan completes medicines database to combat smuggling and track supply chain

Kyrgyzstan has successfully implemented a comprehensive medicines database designed to enhance control over the pharmaceutical supply chain and combat illicit trade. Nuradin Karataev, head of the Department of Medicines and Medical Products, announced the completion of the system, emphasizing its role in identifying smuggled goods and ensuring the legality of all imported medicines.

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In 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, we had no tool for automatically calculating medicine stocks. The database we have created now provides clear and up-to-date statistics. We can see in advance which medicines are running low and warn suppliers accordingly.

The database provides end-to-end tracking of medicines, from their importation and registration through to their distribution to the final consumer. This system offers clear and up-to-date statistics, enabling authorities to proactively manage medicine stocks, anticipate potential shortages, and alert suppliers. Karataev noted that in 2023, an estimated 40–45 percent of medicines on the market were imported illegally, but this figure is declining as new programs are introduced, with legal turnover increasing by approximately 2 billion soms annually.

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Based on 2023 data, the figure was approximately 40–45 percent. This indicator is declining with the introduction of new programs. Every year, legal turnover increases by about 2 billion soms.

While acknowledging that medicine shortages can occur due to the country's small market size limiting manufacturer interest, Karataev highlighted the state enterprise Kyrgyzfarmatsiya's role in directly sourcing medicines to fill gaps in hospitals. The department also ensures that all medicines sold in pharmacies meet registration and quality standards, with a dedicated laboratory testing each batch for safety and quality. Future plans include integrating medicines valued below 100 soms into the tracking system starting next year. The public can also verify medicine registration and availability through the mobile app Dary-Darmek.

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The country is small and the market is limited, so many manufacturers are not interested in supplying medicines to us. That is why the state enterprise Kyrgyzfarmatsiya was established, to work directly with suppliers and eliminate shortages in hospitals.