Viagra Moves Behind the Counter as Uzbek E-Prescription Rollout Causes Problems

Uzbekistan’s new system of electronic prescriptions came into force on 12 December, but the rollout has led to confusion in the capital as residents struggle to purchase basic medicines. The updates include a revised prescription list that now requires medical authorisation for drugs such as paracetamol, nimesil, aspirin and viagra.

Despite the introduction, many in Tashkent say they have been unable to buy prescribed medicines at all, noting that only vitamins and dietary supplements remain available without restriction. Kursiv Uzbekistan has requested clarification from the Ministry of Health, although no official response had been provided at the time of publication.

Users on social media have raised concerns about long queues in clinics as people seek prescriptions for everyday medicines. Others worry that restricted access could encourage informal or corrupt practices in some pharmacies. There have also been technical issues: parts of the medical community report that they cannot access or log into the new system.

In the first stage, the online prescription platform will cover Tashkent and 15 district cities. Authorities plan to expand it nationwide by the end of next year.