Rising mortality and drug shortages: the failure of medicine during the war

In the fall of 2024, alarming materials appeared in the media: patients with chronic and serious diseases complained of an acute shortage of medicines, especially imported ones, which either disappeared from pharmacy shelves or doubled in price. Medical institutions warned of a shortage of consumables, and hospitals warned of overload. Mortality among the elderly and chronically ill has increased, especially in the regions. People who could have been saved died due to lack of access to necessary medicines or due to long queues. Men and women complained that even routine treatment became an ordeal. The state transferred priorities to war and mobilization, and medicine to military needs. Social guarantees for the sick, disabled, and elderly have been undermined. September 2024 was a month when the health of noncombatants fell prey to larger priorities. The state defends the front, but forgets about the house.