Citizens in Nizhny Novgorod with federal benefits must register for complimentary medicines by October 1 to avoid missing out.
In the Nizhny Novgorod region, a significant initiative has been launched to provide vital medications for free to eligible individuals throughout 2026. The program is designed to support those who are most in need, including individuals with disabilities, participants and veterans of the Great Patriotic War (World War II), residents of the blockaded Leningrad, citizens involved in the liquidation of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, and those equated to them.
The list of essential drugs for the former group is approved by the Government of the Russian Federation Decree No. 2406-r, while the regional list for the latter group is approved by the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Government Decree No. 163 (Appendix No. 3).
Christina Maricheva, a resident of Nizhny Novgorod, spoke highly of the program, stating that her brother's diabetes medications are always available and issued immediately at the pharmacy after receiving a prescription from the clinic.
However, it is important to note that changing the choice within a year is not possible - one must wait for the next enrollment period and purchase medications at their own expense if they initially chose monetary compensation instead of medications.
The regional Ministry of Health emphasized that when issuing subsidized prescriptions, doctors are not limited by a specific amount. Patients can receive all necessary medications, including those for treating accompanying diseases.
Patients already participating in the program confirm its effectiveness. Olesya Ionova, who has had chronic rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years, shared that she receives subsidized treatment for it and the state provides her medications for free.
The search results do not provide direct or detailed information about the eligibility criteria and application process for the free medication program in the Nizhny Novgorod region. However, based on typical Russian regional healthcare social support programs, the eligibility criteria may include confirmed status as a person with a disability, official recognition as a participant or veteran of the Great Patriotic War, inclusion in other government-specified categories, registration in the regional healthcare system, and submission of official documents proving eligibility.
The application process generally involves applying through local social protection or healthcare authorities and receiving approval and a voucher or prescription for free medications at designated pharmacies. For the Nizhny Novgorod region specifically, this process would be administered by regional social protection departments and local healthcare institutions under federal and regional laws regulating social support for vulnerable populations.
To find up-to-date eligibility criteria, application forms, required documents, and service locations tailored to these groups, we recommend consulting the official website of the Nizhny Novgorod regional government or health ministry, local social protection offices, or official regional healthcare service centres.
Specialists recommend thoroughly examining the advantages of free medication provision, especially for individuals with chronic diseases requiring constant expensive therapy. The state program allows receiving necessary medications for free at any participating pharmacy, and all medications undergo strict quality control, ensuring their safety and effectiveness.
The deadline for Nizhny Novgorod beneficiaries to choose the form of social assistance they will receive for the following year is October 1, 2025. The drug supply for eligible citizens is organized in two ways: one through Federal Law No. 178-FZ for those with a disability group, and another through Government Decree No. 890 for those without a disability group.
It is important to note that the chosen support form will be effective from January 1st to December 31st of the following year. The cost of medications for some beneficiaries can be substantial - for example, Olesya Ionova mentioned that her medications cost around 200,000 a month, a significant amount for her.
Almost 1200 federal beneficiaries are registered with City Polyclinic No. 1 in the Prigorodny District of Nizhny Novgorod, including individuals with disabilities and serious health issues requiring expensive medications. This program is a significant step towards ensuring the health and well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of society in the Nizhny Novgorod region.
- The free medication program in Nizhny Novgorod includes therapies and treatments for mental health, such as medications for diabetes (as mentioned by Christina Maricheva).
- Fitness and exercise are important for overall health and wellness, but the program primarily focuses on providing necessary medications for eligible individuals, which could also include specific nutrition requirements.
- The program extends to veterans and participants of the Great Patriotic War (World War II), residents of the blockaded Leningrad, and those equated to them, who might need treatments related to health issues arising from these experiences, such as therapies and treatments for chronic rheumatoid arthritis (as mentioned by Olesya Ionova).
- To access the program, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria, which could include being a resident of the Nizhny Novgorod region, registered in the regional healthcare system, and falling into one of the specified categories, like those with disabilities or those who took part in the liquidation of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.
