Russia Launches Experiment to Sell Over 100 Medicines via Post Office and Mobile Pharmacies

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Russia has launched an experiment to sell medicines through rural post offices and mobile pharmacies. The project, which will run until September 1, 2029, aims to improve access to medications for residents of villages and small towns that lack stationary pharmacies, according to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Health.

As part of the pilot program, more than 100 types of commonly used over-the-counter drugs will be available for purchase at post offices. These are primarily non-prescription medications used for outpatient treatment.

The experiment will take place in the Nizhny Novgorod and Kursk regions. Sales will be organized in rural areas where there are no pharmacies or medical facilities.

However, the range of medicines available at mobile pharmacies and post offices will be limited. It will exclude drugs containing narcotic, psychotropic, or potent substances, medications with alcohol content exceeding 25%, and those requiring special storage conditions.

Medicines will be dispensed by post office employees who have received additional training in the rules for receiving, storing, and selling drugs. These employees will not provide advice to visitors on choosing or using medications.

The Ministry of Health expects that this new mechanism will increase access to medicines for residents of remote rural areas who currently have to travel long distances to purchase necessary drugs.