Preferential prescription: Patient sent to state pharmacy in Kant, but pharmacist on vacation

A mother in Kyrgyzstan faced significant difficulties obtaining essential test strips for her child's glucose meter, highlighting systemic issues with medication access. She was unable to purchase the discounted supplies at a state pharmacy in Kant because the sole pharmacist was on vacation until August 3.

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We live in Pokrovka. My child has type 1 diabetes, he is insulin-dependent. He is entitled to 2,000 test strips for the glucose meter at a discount from the state. We used to be able to buy them at almost any private pharmacy with a preferential prescription. But this time, the attending physician said that we need to buy them at the state pharmacy 'El Aman,' because other pharmacies no longer dispense them by prescription.

Her child, who has type 1 diabetes, is entitled to 2,000 discounted test strips per month through a preferential prescription. Previously, these could be obtained from various private pharmacies. However, a recent government directive mandates that such medications in Bishkek can only be dispensed through the state pharmacy chain 'El Aman.' This led the mother to seek the supplies at the state pharmacy in Kant.

While the 'El Aman' branch in Bishkek assured that the pilot project is limited to the capital, officials in the Chuy region stated that private pharmacies there are contracted with the Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund and are obligated to dispense medications under preferential prescriptions. Despite this, the Kant pharmacy's closure due to the pharmacist's leave left the mother with no immediate options, forcing her to consider traveling to Tokmok or Bishkek, incurring additional costs and time.

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This means we have to travel to Kant, Tokmok, or Bishkek, spending extra money on transport and time. Imagine how many people in Kant were left without medicines dispensed by preferential prescription.

The situation raises concerns about the accessibility of essential medicines for vulnerable populations, particularly in regions outside the capital, and the potential impact of centralized dispensing systems when faced with unforeseen circumstances like staff absence.

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This is the Chuy region, where private pharmacies have contracts with the Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund and are obliged to dispense medications under preferential prescriptions. The pilot project only affects the capital.