Medicines may be exported to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
During the Standing Committee on Social Policy’s meeting on April 12, Minister of Health S.Enkhbold presented an audit report on the implementation and effectiveness of the state policy on medicines.
According to the audit report, the implementation of the government’s medicines policy is insufficient due to the lack of a system to ensure the sustainable development of the sector.
In connection with this, Member of Parliament B.Saranchimeg commented, “The policy states that the government will support the production of needles, syringes and IV drips, but this has not been implemented. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, these essential medical supplies were in short supply. It is not possible to order and import drugs not registered with the World Health Organization. In some cases, medicines imported through tender biddings do not meet the quality requirements.”
She asked how the ministry plans to develop a system for the sustainable growth of the health sector and how many drug quality control laboratories operate in Mongolia.
Health Minister S.Enkhbold responded that medication is a very important part of health care. In January 2021, the Drug and Medical Regulatory Authority was established. Last year, 52 inspectors were hired to inspect medicines and medical devices, he said.
Medicine prices are regulated by the Health Ministry. Drug procurement has been transferred to an integrated system.
The government is organizing the procurement of 22 essential medicines of 15 types, the minister highlighted.
He also answered that the bill on medicines and medical devices is being developed and major changes will be made. It is expected to open opportunities to export Mongolian-made drugs to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
During the meeting, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health Ts.Erdembileg said, “It is prohibited for individuals to import drugs and medical supplies. Only registered drugs must be imported. The new law will regulate this. Moreover, 620 million MNT was invested in the National Center for Public Health. Drugs and narcotics are tested in all types of human body fluids. This made it possible to study medicines of domestic pharmaceutical companies.”