Uzbek Health Ministry Publishes List of Over-the-Counter Medicines
The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan has published a list of 1,846 medicines that pharmacies are permitted to sell without a doctor’s prescription. Patients can now independently check which medicines are available for purchase without restrictions.
What’s in the list?
The list covers widely used non-prescription medicines, including painkillers, cold remedies, antiseptics and vitamin complexes.
Painkillers and fever reducers
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Analgin
- Citramon
Colds, ARVI and flu
- Theraflu for flu and colds (powder)
- Paracetamol
- Ascorbic acid
Cough and throat
- Ambroxol
- Furacilin
Allergy medicines
- Suprastin (tablets)
- Loratadine
- Cetirizine
- Diazolin
Antiseptics and wound treatment
- Iodine
- Brilliant green
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Furacilin
Vitamins
- Ascorbic acid
- Vitamin D
Context
From December 12, a government decree introducing an electronic prescription system came into force in Uzbekistan. However, following its launch, residents of Tashkent reported difficulties purchasing medicines in pharmacies.
Posts on social media claimed that paracetamol, ethyl alcohol, nimesil and aspirin had allegedly been added to the list of prescription-only medicines, while only vitamins and dietary supplements could be bought without a prescription. Users also raised concerns about a possible influx of patients into clinics, system failures and an increase in corruption in pharmacies.
The Ministry of Health later issued clarifications, noting that the main goal of electronic prescriptions is to improve treatment safety, strengthen control over prescribing and reduce the risks of incorrect or illegal circulation of medicines.
At present, the system is operating in Tashkent and 15 pilot districts. Authorities plan to extend it nationwide by the end of 2026. In emergency situations, as well as when treating children, elderly people and patients with chronic illnesses, medicines will be dispensed without additional restrictions.
