Nizhny Novgorod residents eligible for medicines under the federal benefit were reminded of the advantages of receiving social services in the form of goods.

      To residents of Nizhny Novgorod entitled to receive medications under the federal benefit program, a reminder was issued about the advantages of receiving this social service in kind. The regional Ministry of Health explained the potential difficulties patients may face if they choose monetary compensation instead of prescriptions.

      As clarified by the agency, the right to social support is granted to disabled individuals of all groups, including children, as well as participants and veterans of the Great Patriotic War and combat operations, including participants of the Special Military Operation (SMO); residents of Blockaded Leningrad; residents of the besieged Sevastopol and Stalingrad; citizens involved in the Chernobyl disaster cleanup, and persons equated to them.

      Federal beneficiaries can independently choose the form of assistance—either in kind or monetary. The decision on the preferred form is made annually, with relevant applications to be submitted to the Social Fund of Russia by October 1 of the current year. From January 1 to December 31 of the following year, the beneficiary will receive assistance in the form they selected. The decision can only be changed once during the next period, before October 1.

      “The state program for providing free medications has several significant advantages, making it preferable to cash compensation. It is important for patients to understand that worsening health conditions can lead to prolonged illnesses requiring long-term treatment and multiple medications. If someone is already receiving cash compensation, there is a risk that the amount received may be insufficient to purchase the necessary drug. Receiving medications in kind acts as insurance against sudden financial difficulties related to illness,” emphasized Natalia Ochekurova, head of the Department of Medicinal supplies and Pharmaceutical Activities of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Ministry of Health.

      Today, nearly 423,000 residents of Nizhny Novgorod have the right to social service packages. Among them is a three-year-old girl from Nizhny Novgorod suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Her mother, Anna, receives several expensive medicines for her daughter monthly. Assistance is provided at City Children's Hospital No. 25.

      “Thank you very much to our government for enabling my disabled child to receive medicines for free! We don’t worry about the high cost of drugs. Every month, everything needed for her is ordered: I go to the clinic, get the prescription, then visit a pharmacy that dispenses the subsidized medications. Before my daughter started receiving these medicines, she practically couldn’t walk. The benefit literally helped put her back on her feet!” said the mother of the young girl.

      Deputy Chief Physician of City Children's Hospital No. 25 in Nizhny Novgorod, Anastasia Grigorieva, explained who else qualifies as a federal beneficiary.

      “There are many serious, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, oncology, hematological disorders, epilepsy, and bronchial asthma—all requiring long-term, continuous treatment. The treatment costs for such patients can reach up to 200,000 rubles per month, whereas monetary compensation is many times less. The state guarantees that these patients will be supplied with all necessary medications. In my opinion, refusing medication in favor of a small payment is often a significant and unjustified risk,” she stated.

      Experts from the regional Ministry of Health emphasized that when issuing subsidized prescriptions, medical professionals are not limited by a certain sum. Federal beneficiaries are prescribed medicines needed not only for the primary illness but also for related conditions and preventive purposes.

      “When choosing monetary compensation, patients are often forced to solve the problem of obtaining medicines on their own. Refusing therapy due to lack of funds can lead to health deterioration and complications. Opting for in-kind support is a conscious decision to avoid self-treatment and to leave the situation under the control of the attending physician,” summarized Natalia Ochekurova.

      **Note:**

      The procedure for medicament supply to entitled citizens involves two options:

      - For patients with a disability group and the right to a social package concerning medicines and medical devices for the current calendar year,

      medication provision is organized under Federal Law No. 178-FZ “On State Social Assistance” of July 17, 1999, in accordance with the list of vital and essential medicines approved by the Government of the Russian Federation on October 12, 2019, No. 2406-r (Appendix No. 1, as amended on January 15, 2025, No. 10-r);

      - For patients without a disability group by their illness profile,

      medication provision is organized under the Government Resolution No. 890 of July 30, 1994, “On State Support for the Development of Medical Industry and Improvement of Medical Supplies for the Population and Healthcare Institutions,” according to the regional list of medicines approved by the Nizhny Novgorod Region Government on March 4, 2025, No. 163 (Appendix No. 3).