Controversial Bulgarian Tycoon Ready to Combat Pharma Crimes

Vesselin Mareshki, best known for the inexplicably low prices of the medicines that his drug stores sell, spelling the death of many smaller pharmacies nearby, proposed that the surplus charge of the wholesalers is cut from 9% to 2 or 3%. Photo by BGNES

A controversial Bulgarian businessman, founder of a large low-cost drug store chain, has unexpectedly presented an action plan for a crack down on corruption in medicine trade.

“I am ready to point at those, who can be described as the impudent in this business,” Vesselin Mareshki, owner of the eponymous drugs chain, said a special press conference, referring to the gang, which was arrested in December 2009 on accusations of fraud, tax evasion, prostitution enticement and blackmailing.

“I can propose fast and efficient anti-crisis measures, which will spare some BGN 200 M from the state budget and the citizens only as far as the health care sector is concerned,” said Mareshki, who ran for Varna mayor in 2007, but is currently municipal councilor.

The businessman, best known for the inexplicably low prices of the medicines that his drug stores sell, spelling the death of many smaller pharmacies nearby, proposed that the surplus charge of the wholesalers is cut from 9% to 2 or 3%.

“The reduction will generate between BGN 80-100 M, which can be channeled to hospitals, who are in dire need of money,” Mareshki said, adding that this will make medicines more accessible and allow companies to capitalize on the turnover, rather than the surplus charged on the medicines.

Mareshki announced that he will submit his package of anti-crisis measures to the prime minister and health care minister.

The statement comes a month after Bulgaria's new government pledged to crack down on frauds in the tenders for medicines that the state organizes every year and bring the guilty to justice.

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