Moldova considers price liberalization for over-the-counter medicines

The Moldovan government is considering a legislative proposal to gradually liberalize prices for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. The initiative, developed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, aims to remove the requirement for manufacturer price approval to reduce bureaucratic barriers.

The Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Moldova estimates that prices for certain OTC products—such as those used for colds, allergies, and digestive issues—could rise by 5% to 7% due to increased production and logistics costs. However, Health Minister Alexandru Gasnaș stated that liberalization will not be total, as essential medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen are expected to remain under price controls.

Former Health Minister Ala Nemerenco has criticized the move, alleging that the policy may serve specific economic interests or lobbying efforts. She warned that removing regulations could lead to significant price discrepancies between pharmacies and argued that redirecting funds toward frequently used OTC drugs could divert resources away from critical treatments for cancer, rare diseases, and autoimmune conditions.