Turkmenistan has strengthened administrative liability for illegal private medical and pharmaceutical activity under amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, which will take effect May 1, 2026.
The changes were introduced under a law signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on April 11, 2026, state media reported Friday. Article 861 has been revised and retitled “Illegal Private Medical Practice or Private Pharmaceutical Activity.”
Under the updated provisions, carrying out private medical practice or pharmaceutical activity without a license, or in deliberate violation of licensing conditions, where no harm is caused to human health, is punishable by the confiscation of medicines and medical devices without compensation, as well as a fine ranging from five to 10 base units.
Repeat offenses within one year after the imposition of an administrative penalty, or violations committed by a group of persons, carry stricter sanctions, including confiscation of medicines and medical devices and fines ranging from 10 to 20 base units, or administrative arrest for up to seven days.
If such violations negligently result in minor harm to human health, penalties include confiscation of medicines and medical devices, a fine ranging from 20 to 30 base units, or administrative arrest for up to 10 days.
In cases where negligent violations result in moderate harm to health, sanctions include confiscation of medicines and medical devices, a fine ranging from 30 to 40 base units, or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.
The amendments to Article 861 of the Code of Administrative Offenses will enter into force on May 1, 2026.
