Initiative to exempt medicines from pollution tax favors drug producers: corruption watchdog

The draft law on exempting medicines from the environment pollution payment promotes the interests of the drug producers. The conclusion is reached by the Corruption Analysis and Prevention Center after considering the draft, Info-Prim Neo reports. The legislative initiative belongs to Democratic MP Valentina Buliga. The draft provides to exclude the medicines packed in plastic from the list of medicines on which customs taxes are applied for environment pollution. An info note to the draft reads the purpose of the amendment is to supply cheaper medicines to the market and to better the financial situation of the healthcare entities. The author mentions applying the environment-related customs taxes on medicines negatively influences the financial situation of public healthcare entities, and the supply with medicines for the population, in general. Buliga believes the draft may improve the situation if endorsed. The Corruption Analysis and Prevention Center finds that the interests of producers and importers of medicines are indirectly promoted, hidden after the care for the vulnerable groups. The watchdog's experts highlight that the impact on the environment after using the medicines wrapped in plastic can have a negative impact on the people's and future generation's health. According to the corruption watchdog, the bill can prejudice the national budget and dwindle incomes in the environmental fund. The draft is to be considered by the Parliament.