15,000 Packages of Free State-Funded Medicines Illegally Sold in Kazakhstan

The Press Service of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan has exposed major irregularities in the country's medicine circulation. The digital system for goods labeling and traceability identified that pharmaceutical products, which were supposed to be provided to the public free of charge by the state, were instead being sold illegally in pharmacies.

More than 15,000 packages of medications purchased with state budget funds under the Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care (GVFMC) were found in retail sales. The system recorded more than 6,500 duplicated labeling codes. These codes were reused a total of over 385,000 times. Furthermore, it was revealed that more than 750 units of expired medicinal products were put up for sale.

The mandatory medicine labeling system, introduced in July 2024, allows for real-time tracking of every package from the manufacturer to the patient.

"According to the data from the Unified Operator for Labeling and Traceability of Goods, the platform immediately identifies any anomalies or illegal activities. This has become an effective tool for fighting the 'shadow' market and ensuring public safety," the official statement said.

Currently, the Committee for Medical and Pharmaceutical Control of the Ministry of Healthcare, in cooperation with the Prosecutor General's Office, is conducting unscheduled inspections of the facilities where the violations occurred. Strict administrative and criminal measures will be applied to the responsible parties.

As a reminder, citizens can verify the legality of any medication by scanning the code on the package using the Naqty Onim mobile application.