ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE UKRAINIAN AND POLISH PHARMACEUTICAL MARKETS

Abstract

This paper analyzes the structure, dynamics of development and key characteristics of the pharmaceutical markets of Ukraine and Poland, in particular in the segment of antimicrobial drugs intended for systemic use. The study includes a comparison of the dependence on imports of such drugs, as well as the identification of common and distinctive features of market trends in both countries. The main focus is on assessing the factors that affect the provision of modern antimicrobial drugs to the population and analyzing the regulatory environment in this area. The Ukrainian pharmaceutical sector is largely dependent on imports, which is especially noticeable in the segment of modern antibiotics, which provide effective treatment of infections resistant to traditional therapeutic agents. Local producers are mainly focused on manufacturing first- and second-generation generic drugs. Instead, innovative antimicrobial medicines come to Ukraine mainly from the European Union, the United States and India. The main problems of the Ukrainian market include uneven access to antimicrobials in different regions of the country, insufficient control over the use of antibiotics and growing antibiotic resistance, which is becoming a threat to the national healthcare system. Poland, which ranks sixth among the European Union’s pharmaceutical markets, demonstrates a high level of infrastructure development and compliance with international quality standards for the production of medicines (in particular, GMP standards). The country has created a clear and transparent regulatory environment that promotes the stable development of the pharmaceutical sector. Although Poland also actively imports antimicrobials, a significant part of them is produced locally, which significantly reduces the country’s dependence on external suppliers compared to Ukraine. Poland pays special attention to government support programs to combat antibiotic resistance. They include regular monitoring of the consumption of antimicrobial drugs, restrictions on the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics, and active educational activities among the population. The analysis allows us to conclude that the Polish pharmaceutical market is much more stable and organized due to integration into the European system of standards, effective government policy and a developed production base. At the same time, Ukraine faces numerous challenges, including high import dependence, imperfect control over the circulation of antibiotics and limited innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Ukraine’s transition to European production standards, the introduction of stricter government control over the use of antibiotics, and support for local production could be important steps to improve the situation on the antimicrobial market. This will also reduce the risks of antibiotic resistance and ensure public access to quality and safe medicines.