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Chronically ill Ukrainians in the occupied zone must expect to lose access to free medication without Russian citizenship

Chronically ill Ukrainians in the occupied zone must expect to lose access to free medication without Russian citizenship

According to the Eastern Human Rights Group, Russia has announced that from 2025, residents of the occupied Ukrainian territories will be required to hold Russian passports in order to receive free prescription medicines for people with chronic illnesses.

In addition to persecuting pro-Ukrainian locals and relocating large numbers of Russians to change the ethnic composition and tighten control over the occupied territories, Russia has implemented several illegal measures forcing Ukrainians to accept Russian citizenship while schools local children indoctrinate with anti-Ukrainian sentiments.

The new rules stipulate that individuals must meet several criteria to receive free medicines, medical devices and special therapeutic nutritional products. These include possession of a Russian passport, registration for medical supervision and entry in the register of citizens entitled to free medication care. Entry into this register takes place after a medical appointment and under medical supervision at the local polyclinic.

Importantly, the directive states that priority drug provision will not be extended to people without Russian citizenship. This applies to all privileged categories and diseases, including chronic diseases such as diabetes and bronchial asthma.

To receive free medication under the new system, residents must:

  1. Have a Russian passport
  2. Be registered for medical care and be included in the register of citizens entitled to free medication
  3. Get a prescription from a doctor at the local polyclinic

This policy change raises significant concerns about access to basic health care for residents of occupied territories who do not hold or wish to acquire Russian citizenship. People with chronic illnesses that require regular medication, such as diabetes and asthma patients, are particularly at risk.

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