NordenBladet — The Riigikogu decided to reject the Bill that provided for elimination of the restrictions on the ownership of pharmacies, and for giving operators of pharmacies and health care providers the right to buy medicinal products directly from manufacturers.
According to the explanatory memorandum, the Bill on Amendments to the Medicinal Products Act (139 SE), initiated by members of the Riigikogu Helle-Moonika Helme, Jaanus Karilaid, Urmas Espenberg, Urmas Reitelmann, Uno Kaskpeit, Kalle Grünthal, Kai Rimmel, Kert Kingo, Jaak Valge, Leo Kunnas, Paul Puustusmaa, Riho Breivel, Tiit Kala, Anti Poolamets, Merry Aart, Siim Pohlak and Henn Põlluaas, was intended to ensure free competition in the medicinal products market which would have improved the availability of medicinal products and increased the choice of products.
During the debate, Urmas Espenberg (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Riina Sikkut (Social Democratic Party) and Kaja Kallas (Reform Party) took the floor.
46 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the rejection of the Bill and 42 were against.
Source: Parliament of Estonia