The Chairman of the Tax Committee, Sherzod Kudbiev, acknowledged that the state cannot achieve its goals through punishment alone. He stated this on July 4 during an open dialogue with representatives from the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

A lawyer from the pharmaceutical company Asklepiy called for stricter control and responsibility for drug smuggling. A representative of the distributor complained that illegal products are twice as cheap as legal ones, for which all customs duties and taxes are paid.

“This is not just about the damage to the entrepreneur, but human life is primarily at risk. No one can guarantee the safety of smuggled goods,” he said.

Asklepiy conducted a test purchase of medicines in pharmacies, for which the pharmaceutical company is the official distributor. Following this, the organization filed complaints with supervisory authorities, but the appeals were ‘bounced back.’

Additionally, the lawyer suggested speeding up raids, destroying illegal products, compiling a ‘blacklist’ of pharmacies and organizations involved in the illegal drug trade, and introducing a separate article for smuggling with stricter penalties for violators.

“The main strength of the state is not in punishment. Believe me, I have gone through this process in the last 3-4 years. It is impossible to achieve the goal through punishment alone. A bilateral approach is needed. The most important strength is public control,” stated Sherzod Kudbiev, urging the need to raise legal awareness among both entrepreneurs and consumers.

Asklepiy emphasized that in Uzbekistan, buyers primarily look at the price, without paying attention to the quality and safety of medicines.