Ukraine

As a legacy of its Soviet past, Ukraine still has a large state run network of hospitals. However, shortages of medical equipment and drugs are common, and patients often have to bribe medical practitioners to expedite treatment. The country is currently undergoing a major reform in which healthcare will be delivered through a mix of the private and public sector.

Around 72% of the pharmaceutical market is supplied by imports. Germany and India were the leading suppliers in 2006, accounting for over 30% of imports. Foreign companies dominate the market in value terms, as domestic producers focus on the production of low-priced generics. In 2008, the USTR lowered Ukraine from its Priority Watch List, to the standard Watch List, due to improvements in IPR protection.

Ukraine became a member of the WTO in 2008, at the same time removing all tariffs on medicines, active ingredients and vaccines.