From 2026, Kazakhstan plans to strengthen controls over the circulation of potent drugs. The Ministry of Health has explained the regulatory procedure and reminded the public of the measures already taken.
According to the Kazinform news agency, the department clarified that the list of substances posing a threat to life and health includes 94 items.
"The medicinal substances tropicamide and pregabalin (brand name Lyrica) have been added to this list, so they will only be sold with a prescription. The procedure for prescribing and dispensing prescriptions from pharmacies is regulated by Order of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 2 October 2020 'On approval of rules for prescribing, accounting and storage of prescriptions'," the ministry reported.
It is noted that during inspection activities, territorial departments previously identified cases of illegal dispensing of drugs without a prescription. In 2024, 32 administrative protocols were drawn up for such cases, with fines totalling over 8.9 million tenge.
Under the new law, which comes into force on 1 January 2026, criminal liability will be introduced for the illegal circulation of potent substances and violation of the rules for their use.
It should be recalled that since 1 July last year, the country has had mandatory labelling and control over medicinal substances, including narcotic and potent drugs. The system allows for monthly monitoring of medical and pharmacy organisations.