Kyrgyzstan's Medicine Imports Plunge: A 38.2% Drop Sparks Concerns

Kyrgyzstan Faces Medicine Shortage: Imports Plummet 38.2% in Q1 2025 BISHEK, Kyrgyzstan—Kyrgyzstan experienced a sharp decline in retail medicine imports during the first quarter of 2025. The country imported a mere 2,100 tons of pharmaceuticals, a significant 38.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when imports reached almost 3,500 tons. This translates to a 14.1% drop in monetary value, with imports totaling only $48.4 million. The State Committee for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Industry attributes this decline primarily to reduced supplies from Kazakhstan (a decrease of 42.2%) and China (a reduction of 27.7%). "The decrease in imports is a serious concern," stated a representative from the committee, "and we are working to diversify our sources of supply to ensure the availability of essential medicines for our citizens." The shortage has raised concerns about access to affordable healthcare in Kyrgyzstan. The government is actively exploring alternative suppliers and implementing measures to mitigate the impact of the reduced imports. Efforts are underway to ensure sufficient medicine supply and address potential disruptions to healthcare services.