Economic and Socio-Political Aspects of Drug Provision as an Integral Part of Free Medical Care Guarantees: USSR, Russian Federation, Developed OECD Countries

The Soviet Union became the first country in the world with universal drug guarantees for the entire population, which in the period 1920-1935 received free medicines prescribed by a doctor not only for inpatient but also outpatient treatment. In 1935, this organization of drug provision was replaced by a complex system of benefits for some groups of the population, which is preserved today in the Russian Federation. The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of the universality of drug guarantees on the economic efficiency of healthcare systems. Conclusions. Practical recommendations for the creation of a system of universal drug guarantees in the Russian Federation. The importance of the universality of guarantees of free drug provision is due, on the one hand, to the fact that the patient's intake of medicines prescribed by a doctor is an integral part of medical care. Thus, the inability of citizens to purchase (receive) medicines prescribed to them within the framework of free medical care guaranteed to them in state and municipal institutions at the expense of the relevant budget, insurance premiums and other health care receipts de facto violates the right to free medical care guaranteed by Article 41 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.