Serbia faces rising medicine costs despite government promises

Despite government pledges to lower costs, statistics show that medicine prices in Serbia rose by 7.8 percent in September compared to the previous year. This increase comes after officials announced measures to reduce patient co-payments and expand the list of state-funded prescription drugs.

Former President Aleksandar Vučić previously announced a package of measures involving 12.3 billion dinars (approximately 104.8 million euros) to subsidize medications and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Prime Minister Đuro Macut also announced that 18 new prescription drugs, including oral anticoagulants, would be covered by the state starting in mid-August.

Economists suggest the price hikes may stem from pharmaceutical companies attempting to recoup profits on drugs not covered by state measures. Meanwhile, pensioners face significant financial strain; the poverty risk for those aged 65 and older was 25.8 percent in 2025, while the poverty risk among pensioners stood at 23.4 percent. For many elderly citizens, managing fixed incomes against the rising costs of food, utilities, and essential healthcare remains a critical challenge.