The Competition Committee warned major players in medicine imports
Five companies account for 47 percent of medicine imports to Uzbekistan. Concentration is also increasing in retail trade. Under these conditions, there are complaints that some importers and distributors are tying the sales of in-demand medicines to the forced inclusion of other drugs. If inspections confirm anti-competitive practices, the oligopolists will be fined.
The Competition Committee warned major players in medicine imports
The Committee for Competition Promotion and Consumer Protection Rights is examining cases related to the imposition of anti-competitive conditions in the wholesale trade of medicines.
During the 9 months of this year, medicines were imported into Uzbekistan by 305 enterprises, of which 47.2 percent accounted for 5 importers.
Analyses show that market concentration has increased: as of October 1, 2026, retail pharmacies decreased by 8 percent compared to 2023 as a result of mergers or closures, while the number of branches increased by 33.8 percent.
In 2023, there were a total of 13,744 pharmacies: wholesale pharmacies - 521; retail pharmacies - 13,223, of which: main pharmacies - 8,584; branches - 4,639.
In 2024, the number of pharmacies decreased by 5.6 percent, amounting to 13,010: wholesale pharmacies - 466; retail pharmacies - 12,544, of which: main pharmacies - 8,416; branches - 4,128.
As of October 1, 2026, there were a total of 14,598 pharmacies: wholesale pharmacies - 449; retail pharmacies - 14,149, of which: main pharmacies - 7,940; branches - 6,209.
“Recently on social networks, regarding the purchase of high-demand medicines by certain importers and wholesale distributors”