Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze said the Competition Agency’s 560,000 GEL fine to four pharmaceutical companies for excessive medicine markups highlights the need to continue efforts for fair pricing.
"Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical sector is often criticized for lack of competition and artificially high prices and in many cases, this is justified. Recent steps have been taken to improve the situation, but work must continue so patients benefit from fair prices," Sarjveladze noted.
The case follows December 2023 data showing markups of 1000%–3000% compared to import prices. The Competition Agency confirmed abuse of a dominant position and unfair pricing.
Sarjveladze said future measures include strengthening and possibly expanding reference pricing, and vowed the ministry would act whenever unfair pricing is found.
"Wherever such violations occur, we will turn to law enforcement or relevant agencies. The Ministry will be absolutely irreconcilable when unfair prices are offered to patients. While regulations have improved competition for key medicines, risks remain and we will continue strict monitoring," he added.
