# Russian Government Authorizes Medication Sales at Post Offices New policy allows 128 over-the-counter drugs to be sold in rural postal branches. - **Source:** [Meduza English](https://meduza.io/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5658575a-b98f-4608-a3d5-44874fe14887 ## Expansion of Pharmaceutical Access The Russian government officially approved the sale of 128 over-the-counter medications at post offices. This initiative aims to address significant gaps in medical infrastructure by utilizing the existing postal network. These drugs, commonly used in outpatient care, will now be accessible in regions that currently lack dedicated pharmacies or medical facilities. ## Scope of Approved Medications The authorized list encompasses nine distinct therapeutic categories, including treatments for the digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Specific items range from common pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to dermatological creams and antimicrobials. This diverse selection reflects the most frequently requested medications for managing routine health conditions in outpatient settings. ## Strategic Postal Network Utilization Russian Post operates nearly 40,000 branches across the country, with approximately 27,000 located in rural or remote areas. By leveraging this extensive infrastructure, authorities intend to bridge the healthcare divide. This strategy targets communities where residents previously faced significant logistical challenges in obtaining basic medical supplies for their daily health needs. ## Mandatory Staff Training Requirements Postal employees will not be permitted to sell these medications immediately upon the policy enactment. The government requires all staff members to complete a specialized training course before they can handle pharmaceutical products. This measure is intended to ensure that basic safety and handling standards are maintained within the non-traditional retail environment. ## Addressing Rural Healthcare Disparities The initiative follows long-standing concerns regarding the scarcity of medical resources in Russia's smaller towns and villages. Previous reports highlighted that rural populations often struggle with limited access to quality healthcare and essential drugs. This policy shift represents a federal attempt to mitigate these systemic inequalities by repurposing existing state-owned service points. ## Context of Pharmaceutical Market Challenges Russia's pharmaceutical market has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding the availability of essential medicines, particularly during periods of economic strain. Experts have previously noted that the distribution of drugs in remote areas remains a complex issue. The government's decision to involve post offices serves as a direct response to these persistent supply chain limitations. ## Regulatory and Operational Oversight The Health Ministry oversees the implementation of this plan to ensure that the medication distribution aligns with public health standards. While the list is limited to over-the-counter products, the inclusion of various systemic antimicrobials and musculoskeletal treatments suggests a focus on common ailments. Ongoing monitoring will likely determine the efficacy of this distribution model. ## Future Implications for Public Health The success of this program depends on the consistent availability of stock and the quality of staff training provided at the local level. If effective, this model could significantly improve health outcomes in isolated regions. Observers will be watching to see if this integration of postal and health services expands to include additional medications. ## Sources covering this story - https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/11/09/russian-government-approves-sale-of-128-over-the-counter-medications-at-post-offices — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._