Moldova proposes price deregulation for over-the-counter drugs

The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization in Moldova has proposed a legislative package aimed at debureaucratization that would allow pharmacies to set their own prices for over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Currently, the manufacturer's price for these drugs must be approved by the state through the Medical and Pharmaceutical Agency, with prices remaining valid for one to three years.

Under the new proposal, the state-imposed price ceiling for OTC drugs would be removed, allowing them to be sold at free market prices. This would affect approximately 1,617 medications—about a quarter of the 6,290 drugs listed in the State Nomenclature of Medicines—including common treatments for pain, colds, allergies, and digestive issues.

Experts from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy have warned that this liberalization is premature. They caution that the move could lead to unjustified price increases, create application uncertainties, and weaken the ability of authorities to monitor and prevent excessive price hikes.