Medicines in pharmacies to be checked in a new way in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is implementing a stricter regime for pharmaceutical oversight, empowering authorities to act swiftly against counterfeit or substandard drugs. New legislation, recently signed into law, allows for the immediate suspension of a violator's operations upon discovery of illicit medicines, bypassing lengthy court proceedings.

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Previously, potentially dangerous products could remain on sale for months. Now, the response must follow on the very day the violation is identified.

Previously, potentially dangerous drugs could remain on the market for extended periods while legal processes unfolded. "Now, the response must follow on the very day the violation is identified," explained a Member of Parliament involved in the legislative changes.

A significant reform addresses drug quality testing. Previously, pharmaceutical control specialists could not independently collect samples from pharmacy shelves for analysis. Instead, they had to rely on manufacturers to provide specific batches, a process likened to a student choosing their own exam questions. Under the new system, government agencies will now independently select medicine samples for testing, ensuring a more rigorous evaluation.

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It’s like allowing a student to choose their own exam ticket that they already know the answer to.

Data from the Ministry of Health, cited by the MP, highlights the effectiveness of the drug labeling system. The number of illegally sold products identified surged from 151 items in 2022 to over 21,000 in 2025. This system also uncovered a scheme where free medicines, purchased by the state for patients, were being written off twice. The deputy emphasized the importance of tracking a drug's entire supply chain, from manufacturer to patient, to prevent such fraud.

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While 151 items of illegally sold products were identified in 2022, in 2025 that figure has already exceeded 21,000 units.