It is important for residents of Nizhny Novgorod with federal benefits to complete the free medication registration by October 1, 2025.

      This social support measure will allow recipients to obtain vital medications throughout 2026. In the Nizhny Novgorod region, federal beneficiaries can receive essential medicines free of charge. To obtain the benefit, one must apply at the Social Fund of Russia by submitting an application before October 1 of this year. The chosen support form will be valid from January 1 to December 31 of the following year.

      Eligible for free medicines are individuals with disabilities of all groups, participants and veterans of the Great Patriotic War and combat operations, including participants in the Special Military Operation, residents of Blockaded Leningrad, citizens involved in the liquidation of the Chernobyl disaster, and persons equivalent to them.

      "Almost 1,200 federal beneficiaries are registered with our clinic. These are people with disabilities and serious health issues who need expensive medications. Financial compensation is insignificant compared to the cost of treating such illnesses. The government program enables access to necessary medicines free of charge at any pharmacy participating in the program. All medications undergo strict quality control — the state closely monitors their safety and efficacy," said Irina Fomina, chief physician of City Polyclinic No. 1 in the Priozersky district of Nizhny Novgorod.

      Experts recommend carefully studying all the advantages of free medicinal support, especially for people with chronic diseases requiring ongoing costly therapy.

      "Some patients initially choose monetary compensation instead of medicines but later face situations where their condition worsens or medication prices rise, making it impossible to purchase them independently. However, changing the choice is not permitted within the year — they have to wait for the next registration period and purchase drugs at their own expense," added Irina Fomina.

      Patients already participating in the program confirm its effectiveness:

      "The necessary medicines are always available; they are provided immediately after receiving a prescription at the pharmacy. Without this support, we would not manage," said Kristina Maricheva, whose brother has been receiving diabetes treatment for over 10 years.

      "I have had rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years, and for the past 8, I have been receiving subsidized treatment for this disease. My medicines cost about 200,000 rubles per month, which is a very large sum for me. The government not only provides them free of charge but also guarantees the highest quality," shared Olesya Ionova.

      The regional Ministry of Health emphasizes that doctors are not limited by a specific sum when issuing subsidized prescriptions. Patients can receive all necessary medications, including those for comorbid conditions.

      "This is a comprehensive support system, not just issuing medicines. The patient is under constant medical supervision, as regular visits to specialists are required for prescriptions," the department notes.

      Thus, residents of Nizhny Novgorod with benefits have until October 1, 2025, to decide on the form of social assistance for the following year.

      Note: The procedure for medicament provision for privileged categories comprises two options:

      - If the patient has a disability group and retains the right to social services covering medicines and medical devices for the current calendar year, medication support is organized under Federal Law No. 178-FZ "On State Social Assistance" dated 17.07.1999, in accordance with the list of vital and essential medicines approved by the Government of the Russian Federation on 12.10.2019 № 2406-r (appendix № 1, as amended on 15.01.2025 №10-r);

      - If the patient does not have a disability group for the relevant medical profile, medication support is organized under the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 890 from 30.07.1994 "On State Support for the Development of the Medical Industry and Improvement of Supplies of Medical Products to the Population and Healthcare Institutions," in accordance with the regional list of medicines approved by the government of the Nizhny Novgorod region on 04.03.2025 № 163 (appendix № 3).