Kazakhstan has tightened control over the cost of medicines. In July 2026 alone, prices decreased for 589 items. The Pharmaceutical Control Committee has explained how to check the maximum prices for medicines and where to complain about markups in pharmacies, reports infohub.kz.
According to the Committee, in July, the cost of over 2,500 drugs was analyzed. While prices remained unchanged for 1,267 items, they decreased for 589 medicines.
The agency emphasized that digitalization played a key role in this process, as the marking system allows tracking the full path of medicines from manufacturer to pharmacy and end consumer.
The Committee reminded that to check the cost of medicines, one can use the digital service NAQTY ONIM. By opening the app, you need to scan the Data Matrix code on the packaging of a drug produced after July 1, 2024. After that, all information about the medicine, manufacturer, marking, and its movement along the supply chain becomes available.
In addition, the service also allows checking the established maximum retail price and comparing it with the cost of the drug in the pharmacy.
"If any violations are detected, the information can be sent for further consideration by authorized bodies," the statement says.
To avoid overpaying for medicines, Kazakhstanis are advised to:
buy medicines only in licensed pharmacies;
check the maximum retail price of regulated medicines;
compare the cost of the same drug in different pharmacies;
ask about more affordable generic alternatives;
keep receipts;
if an inflated price is detected, contact the territorial departments of the Pharmaceutical Control Committee.
Earlier, "Kursiv" reported that SK "Pharmacy" launched a new service in Telegram and WhatsApp for recipients of free medicines.