The further development of the country's pharmaceutical industry was discussed at the Government Hour in the Majilis. The discussion focused on three main topics: the introduction of VAT on medicines, the transition to co-payment for drugs in commercial pharmacies, and the improvement of the professional education system for pharmaceutical specialists. The main changes were announced by the President of the Association for the Support and Development of Pharmaceutical Activities of the Republic of Kazakhstan Marina Durmanova.
1. Introduction of VAT on medicines and medical devices
The main issue of concern to the pharmaceutical community is the introduction of VAT on medicines and medical products. Despite the fact that earlier, when discussing amendments to the Tax Code, the Mazhilis working group did not support this initiative, the Government decided to introduce a 10% VAT for the pharmaceutical industry.
Now it will be necessary to amend the Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 25, 2024 No. 110 "Amendments to the Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 11, 2020 No. ҚР ДСМ-247/2020 "On approval of the rules for regulation, formation of maximum prices and markups for medicines, as well as medical products within the framework of the guaranteed volume of free medical care and (or) in the system of compulsory social health insurance."
Issues that are still under discussion and final decision:
- When exactly will VAT come into effect?
- Will medicines and medical supplies dispensed under the State Fund for Free Medical Care and the Compulsory Medical Insurance be exempt from VAT?
- Will VAT apply to domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers?
2. Introduction of co-payment for outpatient medications
From 2026, it is planned to transfer drug provision for two nosologies to commercial pharmacies, which means the launch of a mechanism for co-payment for drugs. This will allow patients to choose between free drugs prescribed by a doctor and drugs from other manufacturers with a partial surcharge.
Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova emphasized that this mechanism will be fully developed and implemented by January 1, 2026.
3. Changes in the system of professional education of medical and pharmaceutical specialists
The issue of continuous professional development of healthcare workers has been resolved: rules for informal education of healthcare specialists, qualification requirements for organizations implementing educational programs, as well as control by the Ministry of Health over their accreditation have been introduced.
The government is developing a mechanism for continuous professional development of medical and pharmaceutical workers, and a new educational format is just being introduced.
A system of qualification frameworks has been introduced: to move to the next level, a specialist must be approved by an educational organization, undergo training, pass a certification test, and confirm their qualifications through the public services platform.
The Ministry of Health has developed a draft amendment to Order No. ҚР ДСМ-148/2020, which prohibits pharmaceutical practice without a specialist certificate (a document of the established form confirming the qualifications of an individual and his readiness for professional activity in the field of healthcare), and obliges entities in the field of circulation of medicines engaged in their production, retail and wholesale distribution to comply with the standards of good pharmaceutical practices.
As Marina Durmanova notes, the decisions taken will have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical sector of Kazakhstan. The industry is waiting for the deadlines for the introduction of VAT, the launch of the co-payment mechanism and the strengthening of requirements for professional qualifications. Now it is important how these measures will be implemented in practice, how they will affect the cost of drugs and the improvement of the professional level of medical personnel.
Источник: Казахстанский Фармацевтический Вестник, pharmnews.kz
1. Introduction of VAT on medicines and medical devices
The main issue of concern to the pharmaceutical community is the introduction of VAT on medicines and medical products. Despite the fact that earlier, when discussing amendments to the Tax Code, the Mazhilis working group did not support this initiative, the Government decided to introduce a 10% VAT for the pharmaceutical industry.
Now it will be necessary to amend the Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 25, 2024 No. 110 "Amendments to the Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 11, 2020 No. ҚР ДСМ-247/2020 "On approval of the rules for regulation, formation of maximum prices and markups for medicines, as well as medical products within the framework of the guaranteed volume of free medical care and (or) in the system of compulsory social health insurance."
Issues that are still under discussion and final decision:
- When exactly will VAT come into effect?
- Will medicines and medical supplies dispensed under the State Fund for Free Medical Care and the Compulsory Medical Insurance be exempt from VAT?
- Will VAT apply to domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers?
2. Introduction of co-payment for outpatient medications
From 2026, it is planned to transfer drug provision for two nosologies to commercial pharmacies, which means the launch of a mechanism for co-payment for drugs. This will allow patients to choose between free drugs prescribed by a doctor and drugs from other manufacturers with a partial surcharge.
Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova emphasized that this mechanism will be fully developed and implemented by January 1, 2026.
3. Changes in the system of professional education of medical and pharmaceutical specialists
The issue of continuous professional development of healthcare workers has been resolved: rules for informal education of healthcare specialists, qualification requirements for organizations implementing educational programs, as well as control by the Ministry of Health over their accreditation have been introduced.
The government is developing a mechanism for continuous professional development of medical and pharmaceutical workers, and a new educational format is just being introduced.
A system of qualification frameworks has been introduced: to move to the next level, a specialist must be approved by an educational organization, undergo training, pass a certification test, and confirm their qualifications through the public services platform.
The Ministry of Health has developed a draft amendment to Order No. ҚР ДСМ-148/2020, which prohibits pharmaceutical practice without a specialist certificate (a document of the established form confirming the qualifications of an individual and his readiness for professional activity in the field of healthcare), and obliges entities in the field of circulation of medicines engaged in their production, retail and wholesale distribution to comply with the standards of good pharmaceutical practices.
As Marina Durmanova notes, the decisions taken will have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical sector of Kazakhstan. The industry is waiting for the deadlines for the introduction of VAT, the launch of the co-payment mechanism and the strengthening of requirements for professional qualifications. Now it is important how these measures will be implemented in practice, how they will affect the cost of drugs and the improvement of the professional level of medical personnel.
Источник: Казахстанский Фармацевтический Вестник, pharmnews.kz
