The President issued this instruction at a meeting with Healthcare and Social Development Minister Tatyana Golikova. The Minister reported that a decision has already been taken to send Russian anti-flu medicines to Ukraine as humanitarian aid, and the ministry has also proposed sending specialists to Ukraine to help carry out necessary tests.
Regarding the flu situation in Russia, Ms Golikova said that the number of cases is similar to past years and that vaccinations against the new virus would begin on November 9.
Also discussed at the meeting was the production in Russia of strategically important medicines to ensure the country’s independence from foreign suppliers in this area. Mr Medvedev noted that he will comment on this issue in his Annual Address to the Federal Assembly (parliament).
Responding to Ms Golikova’s observation that the flu season has sparked speculative tendencies on the medicines market, the President promised to instruct the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service and the Prosecutor General’s Office to monitor developments on the pharmaceuticals market and to launch criminal proceedings in cases of unjustified price hikes. The necessary legislation for such action is already in place.
Mr Medvedev issued a relevant instruction to Prosecutor General Yury Chaika immediately following the meeting.