You're reading: Azarov orders health minister to resolve problem with medicines for haemophiliacs

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has instructed Health Minister Oleksandr Anischenko to resolve the problem with medicines for haemophilia sufferers.

While speaking at a government meeting on Wednesday, the prime minister cited media reports that in order to save the life of a child with haemophilia who was injured in a car accident, doctors had to collect throughout Ukraine the last available ampoules with blood clotting drugs (Factor VIII) and that these medicines could now be purchased only on the black market.

"The government cannot ignore such media reports. If they are true, then, Oleksandr Volodymyrovych [Anischenko], tear off the heads of those who let this happen. Otherwise, you’ll have your own head torn off. I am giving you a month to do this," Azarov said.

He also promised to send a commission of the Control and Revision Office and representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers’ secretariat to check the situation in the regions.