Ukraine Expands Affordable Medicines Program to Reach More Patients

April 8, 2026—Even amid ongoing war, Ukraine continues to strengthen access to essential health services. The government has expanded its Affordable Medicines Program (AMP), increasing access to treatment for patients nationwide.

Approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and effective March 31, 2026, the updated program now includes 748 medicines and medical devices—279 of which are provided free of charge. This expansion reflects a continued commitment to maintaining and strengthening health system performance under extraordinary pressure.

The program now offers broader coverage across priority conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. By expanding the range of reimbursed medicines, it gives providers greater flexibility and helps ensure continuity of care for patients managing chronic conditions—an essential safeguard in a context where access to services can be disrupted.

The AMP is also scaling financially. In 2026, its budget increased by UAH 1.8 billion (approximately USD 41 million), bringing total funding to UAH 8.7 billion (USD 199 million). This investment is already translating into expanded access: more than 1.5 million patients have benefited from the program this year, with over 3.5 million prescriptions reimbursed.

The updated list includes new glucose test strips from U.S.-based manufacturer ACON Laboratories, Inc., improving access to essential tools for diabetes monitoring and daily disease management. This addition highlights how global partnerships contribute to sustaining patient care in Ukraine, even in crisis conditions.

MSH, through the U.S.-funded SAFEMed Activity, has partnered with the Government of Ukraine to strengthen pharmaceutical policy, reimbursement systems, and access to affordable medicines. This latest expansion builds on those efforts—supporting a system that continues to deliver for patients despite the challenges of war.

By expanding both coverage and financing, the AMP is reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving equitable access to treatment at a time when it is needed most. Further discussions on the program’s implementation and next phase of expansion will take place during a SAFEMed-supported regional meeting in Khmelnytskyy in April 2026.