Alleged fake news report: "Pharmacies in Almaty and its surrounding areas have ceased supply of fever-reducing medications"
In a recent statement, the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan has reassured the public that the situation regarding the availability of fever-reducing medications and COVID-19 treatments in pharmacies within Almaty and the Almaty region remains stable.
The Ministry monitors the availability of these essential drugs on a weekly basis, ensuring a two-month supply in the city. A non-expendable reserve of 8 million units of drugs is available, with current stock levels reaching around 90% in all city pharmacies.
The Ministry's press service reported that the current stock levels provide a two-month supply in the city. Additionally, medical masks and thermometers are adequately supplied in Almaty's pharmacies.
Contrary to rumours circulating on WhatsApp audio messages, there is no official indication of a current shortage in these medications. The Ministry has denied claims that certain fever-reducing medications are being removed from pharmacies to force vaccination against COVID-19.
It is important to note that while rural areas in Kazakhstan may experience shortages of healthcare professionals, this does not necessarily imply a shortage of medications in urban centres like Almaty and its surrounding region.
The city has received 118% of the planned imports of drugs and medical supplies. Out of the planned 40.1 million drugs and medical supplies to be imported, 47.2 million have already been brought into Almaty. With 23.4 million units sold and 23.8 million currently in stock, the previously reported situation on the pharmaceutical market in Almaty remains stable.
There are over 1 million units of these drugs in the pharmacies' warehouses in Almaty, with supplies being replenished using a stabilization fund of around 5 billion tenge for Almaty.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan has provided clear and reassuring evidence that the medication supply situation remains stable in Almaty and the Almaty region, debunking the claims of shortages circulating in WhatsApp messages.
The Ministry of Health is monitoring and maintaining an ample two-month supply of essential drugs, including fever-reducing medications and health-and-wellness products, in the city's pharmacies.Additionally, the Ministry confirmed that there are more than enough medical masks and thermometers available in Almaty's pharmacies.
