Russia’s economy grew by 6.6% in January compared to the same period last year

Russia’s economy grew 6.6% in January compared with the same period last year, the Economy Ministry said on March 24. Previously, this figure was 4.3% in December 2021.

Since Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine at the end of February, the US and its allies have imposed a series of sanctions aimed at isolating the country from the world economy.

To counter Western sanctions and prevent the ruble from plunging, the Kremlin and Russia’s central bank have taken steps, including a ban on buying dollars and banning grain exports.

In another development, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko on March 23 urged people not to hoard medicine, amid fears of shortages and increase due to Western sanctions due to the conflict. conflict in Ukraine.

In addition, Mr. Murashko also said that authorities are monitoring drug companies that give out information about “stock shortage”.

Currently, the selling price of some items such as anticonvulsants and thyroid medication has increased 10 times. Foreign-made anti-inflammatory drugs, used for children, are also almost out of stock in pharmacies from the middle of this month. Some online stores have posted prices of these items 10 times higher than mid-February.

Western sanctions against Russia do not cover medicine imports, for humanitarian reasons.

However, the media warned that Russian companies may not be able to import input materials and ingredients for production while the local drug industry relies heavily on these sources.