In Moldova, a number of patient organizations and representatives of the public sector have expressed concern over the signing of the Law on Medicines by the country’s president. According to activists, the document was adopted despite numerous appeals, expert comments, and warnings about possible risks to citizens’ access to treatment.
On July 11, 2025, a meeting was held between representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Health, the Medicines Agency, and patient associations. Participants emphasize that during the discussion, it was not possible to achieve a constructive dialogue — the proposals put forward were considered superficially. On the same day, the head of state signed the law.
According to estimates by public organizations, certain provisions of the document may contradict the Constitution of Moldova, international UN standards in the field of health care, and the country’s obligations to the European Union. In particular, the following points are of concern:
- restrictions on access to inexpensive generic drugs;
- the abolition of the parallel import mechanism for medicines, which may contribute to market monopolization and high prices;
- the lack of Russian-language information about medicines for those residents of Moldova and unrecognized Transnistria who do not know the Moldovan language;
- a possible shortage of essential medicines, in particular for hormone therapy;
- vague wording and additional bureaucratic requirements that may complicate the import and export of medicines for personal use.
Discussions on the law have been ongoing since spring 2025. Patient organizations, medical professionals, and international experts have repeatedly proposed revisions to the document, emphasizing the importance of ensuring equal access to medicines. However, the law was passed without taking into account most of the key recommendations.
Public associations say they will continue to advocate for changes to the legislation to bring it into line with the interests of patients and international standards.