The State Duma explained the proposal to import unregistered drugs into Russia: Politics: Russia: Lenta.ru
The proposal of the Ministry of Health to allow the import of unregistered drugs into the territory of Russia is relevant in the framework of providing medical care to patients with complex, rare diseases. State Duma deputy Sergei Natarov told Lente.ru about this. He explained that part of the initiative can be associated with the coronavirus pandemic: citizens should have the opportunity to choose vaccines, including foreign ones.
Earlier in September, the Russian Ministry of Health proposed importing unregistered drugs and vaccines into the country. The document notes that biomedical products imported into Russia must be included in the state register of a certain version of an unregistered biomedical cell product, which is intended for its state registration or “to provide medical care to a specific patient for health reasons.”
Natarov that the potential innovation is focused not so much on drugs to combat coronavirus, but rather on helping Russians with complex diseases.
“We have many people with individual health problems that require complex treatment. So the logic in this part is quite simple and straightforward: to enable changes in the rules for the import of unregistered drugs into the country, which are needed by patients with rare diseases, ”the politician explained.
He added that there is no ban on the import of coronavirus vaccines in Russia. The only rule is to undergo clinical trials for registration.
“The same Pfizer, for example, it was possible to introduce new rules here is not necessary. So all these are just technical issues, foreign drugs will not fill our market. Although it is quite logical that Russian citizens should have a choice, including foreign vaccines. Many of our compatriots want to be able to travel to other countries with vaccination with domestic drugs, ”Natarov said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved simplified rules for the import of medicines for seriously ill patients. The new requirements will come into force on March 1, 2022. Obtaining permits for the import of drugs through a single portal of public services.