Sales of drugs fell 20%

The medicines market has been affected by the world economic crisis. According to the acting director of the Medicines Agency Vladimir Safta, the sales of drugs dropped by 20% compared with the first quarter of 2008. Imports decreased by about 30%, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The consumers’ purchasing power has diminished, while the prices continue to rise,” Vladimir Safta told a news conference on Monday. Analysis show that the prices of drugs in Moldova in the first quarter of this year rose by 5.08%. During the previous years, the prices increased by 4 -5% a year. 90% of the medications are imported. “The prices are raised by the foreign producers and we cannot influence them,” the acting director of the Medicines Agency said. Despite the difficult situation, the salaries have not been cut and will probably not be cut, he said. The national production of medicines has not declined. In September last year, the producers were informed to store raw material so as they could work during this year, Vladimir Safta said.