“I have never seen several competing pharmaceutical chains opening pharmacies side by side. When one opens here, several branded pharmacies tend to open nearby. Naturally, this creates a certain burden on businesses, and that burden is ultimately reflected in the prices,” said Minister of Health Mikheil Sarjveladze.

According to him, such regulation should be implemented synchronously, with due consideration for the impact on business.

“There is no need for extensive statistics or analysis; we have all seen how several branded pharmacies are located next to each other in our neighbourhoods. Of course, this looks odd; we all know, for example, how it is in European countries. Personally, I have never seen several competing pharmaceutical chains opening pharmacies side by side. When one opens here, several branded pharmacies tend to open nearby. Naturally, this puts a strain on businesses, and that strain is ultimately reflected in the prices,” Mikheil Sarjveladze explained.