Ukrainian patients in occupied territories to be denied free medications without Russian passports

The Eastern Human Rights Group has said that from next year, access to free subsidized medications in Russian-occupied territories will be available only for those who hold a Russian passport.

Oct 14, 2024 - 21:00

Ukrainian patients in occupied territories to be denied free medications without Russian passports

Ukrainians with diabetes, bronchial asthma, and other illnesses in Russian-occupied territories will no longer be able to receive free medications without Russian passports starting next year, the Eastern Human Rights Group announced on social media.

Earlier, the occupiers already implemented such practice in Starobilsk in Luhansk Oblast. In this city, Ukrainians are being denied medical services if they do not possess a Russian passport. Furthermore, pharmacies in these areas have stopped providing medications under social programs to those without a Russian passport.

Ukraine’s National Resistance Center has characterized this policy as a deliberate act of genocide by the occupying forces aimed at the systematic eradication of the Ukrainian nation on their ethnic lands.

“Starting from 2025, residents of occupied territories will only be able to receive free, subsidized medications if they hold a Russian citizenship passport.
Patients with diabetes and bronchial asthma, among others, will be left without access to essential medications if they do not possess a Russian passport,” said the human rights defenders.

New rules regarding subsidized medication will come into effect next year. To receive free medicines, medical supplies, and specialized nutritional products, individuals must have a Russian citizenship passport, be registered as a patient, and be included in the registry of citizens entitled to free medication.

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