The government has allowed the sale of medicines at gas stations

Gas stations have long ceased to be just places to refuel or grab a quick coffee on the road. Modern filling station complexes offer an increasing number of services that help people save time and take better care of themselves. Now, you can stop not only for food and drinks but also for medicine. In addition, during certain initiatives and health days, visitors can access basic preventive services. The government’s decision to allow the sale of over-the-counter medicines at gas stations is a logical continuation of this trend: from now on, a gas station can become a place on the road where you can quickly and easily take care of important health-related needs.

From service to social mission: how the role of gas stations is changing

Modern gas station complexes in Ukraine have long gone beyond traditional services for drivers and are becoming places that provide everyday basic health-related services for their customers. Along with cafés, shops, and rest areas, social initiatives, charity projects, and well-being activities are also emerging.

For example, the KLO network organizes blood donation campaigns as part of the “Fuel for Life” project, during which employees, customers, and partners donate blood for the military and hospitals. These events take place regularly and effectively turn gas stations into another point where people can contribute to charity and support.

In turn, Ukrnafta supports sports events, running starts, and mass races. This is another format of audience engagement — through sports, an active lifestyle, and movement. Thus, the topic of health at gas stations extends beyond medical services to include the promotion of physical activity and healthy habits.

The topic of health and prevention in Ukraine is активно developed by the COR-Energy gas station network, whose global mission is to improve people’s quality of life. These stations regularly host Health Days, during which customers can check their glucose levels or hearing for free and receive a consultation from a specialist—a format that is still not typical at other gas stations. These Health Days not only receive positive customer feedback but also deliver real results in improving health. For example, hearing screenings showed that 60% of participants had signs of hearing loss and were given.

Special attention is paid to the product assortment: the network offers products without added sugar — from snacks to desserts and drinks. This makes it easy to integrate healthier habits into everyday life, even during a short stop.

At the same time, a balanced nutrition restaurant called “SuGuard” is being prepared to open at the gas station, aiming to demonstrate that healthy food can be tasty.

Permission to sell medicines at gas stations: greater accessibility for Ukrainians

Some gas station complexes have already obtained licenses to sell retail medicine. Among them are the OKKO and UKRNAFTA networks, which offer over-the-counter drugs ranging from cold relief products to painkillers and fever reducers. Licensed gas stations comply with all storage and quality control regulations, so the medicines are safe and ready for use. More details about gas stations with licenses can be found via the NaftoRynok link.

This is especially useful for people living in small towns and remote communities, as well as for those who travel frequently: now essential medicines can be obtained quickly, without unnecessary trips or wasted time. Such innovations make healthcare more accessible and practical, allowing people to address health concerns without replacing pharmacies or reducing their role as the main source of medicines.

Health on the road: new opportunities for prevention

Gas stations can now become “health points” right along the way, where people can quickly check their health status. A short stop lets you measure your blood pressure, check your glucose levels, or receive basic advice about your well-being. This makes prevention part of everyday life: there is no need to schedule a doctor’s or a pharmacy visit separately—it is enough to use these services on the way to your destination.

Future prospects: gas stations as part of the public health ecosystem

In the future, gas stations may become an integral part of the public health network, alongside pharmacies, outpatient clinics, and mobile medical units.

The development of gas stations toward health services is not a temporary solution but part of a new trend. Infrastructure that once served only transport is gradually becoming a place where people can take care of their health and well-being. Allowing the sale of medicines is just one step in this direction.