Regions including Rostov are facing difficulties in procuring medications due to interruptions in internet connectivity.
In several key Russian regions, including Volgograd, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, St. Petersburg, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Tula, and remote areas without wired internet, pharmacies are facing significant challenges due to frequent mobile internet outages. These disruptions are causing practical implications, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, where a centralized drug marking system requires real-time internet connectivity to verify and register sales of pharmaceuticals.
The drug marking system in Russia is designed to prevent illegal sales or distribution of unmarked or counterfeit drugs by ensuring that every transaction is authenticated and recorded online. However, during mobile internet outages, pharmacies cannot complete sales legally, resulting in disrupted operations. This issue has been particularly impactful in the mentioned regions, which are major cities where pharmacies play a crucial role in healthcare delivery.
The most recent mobile internet outages in Krasnodar occurred on June 24, 25, and 27, with the disruptions starting early in the morning on June 27 and lasting until the afternoon. The causes of these outages seem to be related to security concerns, specifically drone threats.
The Association of Independent Pharmacies has reported issues with medication sales in several Russian regions, including the first incidents in Krasnodar on June 12. After data synchronization, medication sales become impossible again due to the drug marking system's requirement for internet connectivity.
To address this issue, a local module called "Honest Sign" allows for offline code verification and cash sales, but only for 72 hours. After this period, data synchronization with the system is required for medication sales, making sales impossible again. The Association of Independent Pharmacies has stated that without stable connectivity, the medication drug marking system poses a threat to business and medication accessibility.
It is not clear from the available information whether the authorities have provided any alternative solutions for businesses and individuals affected by the mobile internet disruptions. The Association of Independent Pharmacies has not specified whether the mobile internet disruptions in these regions have directly affected medication sales.
The Rostov region has been experiencing mobile internet disruptions since December 2024, and it is not clear whether the issues in other regions began around the same time. There have also been reports suggesting that the Kuban economy could lose 5.8 Billion Rubles due to mobile internet outages in May and June.
Cyber resilience measures and local adaptations are being developed in Russia, including the use of domestic software and hardware by companies like Aquarius to support critical infrastructure, which may help in reducing such disruptions in the future.
In light of these challenges, it is essential for authorities to address the mobile internet outages and provide solutions to ensure the continuity of essential services, particularly in the healthcare sector.
- The drug marking system in Russia, designed to combat illegal drug sales, is heavily reliant on health-and-wellness technology and the internet, making it vulnerable to disruptions, such as the frequent mobile internet outages.
- As seen in Krasnodar, where disruptions occurred on June 24, 25, and 27, these outages can have significant impacts on medical-conditions, specifically when pharmacies are unable to complete sales due to the drug marking system's online requirements.
- In the absence of stable connectivity, the Association of Independent Pharmacies in Russia believes that the current medication drug marking system poses a threat not only to businesses but also to the health-and-wellness of individuals, as it restricts the accessibility of medications.
