In small towns and villages, a pharmacy is often much more than just a place to buy medicine. For many people — especially the elderly or those living close to the frontline — it is the only opportunity to obtain essential medications, receive advice from a pharmacist, and access state healthcare programs.

This is why, even in extremely challenging conditions, pharmacy chains strive to keep such pharmacies open.

At Apteka 9-1-1 https://apteka911.ua/ua, representatives say that the decision to continue operating is sometimes driven not only by economic considerations, but above all by responsibility to local communities.

Recently, the chain received a letter from the military administration of a frontline settlement in southern Ukraine expressing gratitude and asking the company not to close the pharmacy that serves the local community and residents of nearby villages.

Situations like this are becoming increasingly common in frontline communities. Due to security risks, complicated logistics, and the distance from major cities, access to medicines for residents of small settlements often depends on whether the local pharmacy continues to operate.

The letter emphasized that the pharmacy performs an important social function, providing people with medicines and dispensing prescriptions under the government program "Affordable Medicines." For many residents, this is the only opportunity to receive necessary treatment close to home, as not everyone is able to travel to other cities.

At Apteka 9-1-1 https://apteka911.ua/ua, the company notes that such appeals from communities confirm how critical the presence of pharmacies in small settlements has become during the war.

"When we receive letters like this, we clearly understand how important it is for a community to maintain access to medicines and basic medical supplies. For many people, a working pharmacy nearby means they can receive the treatment they need without having to risk traveling to other cities," the company says.

Despite the challenging circumstances, the chain has decided — for now — to keep the pharmacy operating as a point of support and assistance for the local community.

According to the head pharmacist, most visitors are elderly people and patients with chronic conditions who require regular treatment.

"Most people receive medicines through the ‘Affordable Medicines’ program, and it is extremely important for them. Not everyone has the opportunity to travel to another city to find the medications they need. Because of their age and the security situation, traveling to another town becomes almost impossible for many residents," she explains.

Pharmacists say that for the local community, the pharmacy has become an important daily point of support.

"People often come with different questions — about medicines, treatment, or sometimes just for advice. Many thank us for staying open and for the possibility to get the medicines they need nearby, to talk, and to receive support," the head pharmacist adds.

In frontline communities, pharmacies often operate under very difficult conditions. Despite ongoing security challenges, the pharmacy team continues its work.

"There are three of us in the team, and we are all local residents. Of course, it’s not always easy, but we understand that people rely on us, so we stay and continue working," she says.

At Apteka 9-1-1, the company emphasizes that during the full-scale war pharmacy infrastructure has become an important element of community support — alongside hospitals, humanitarian centers, and volunteer initiatives. For thousands of people across different regions of the country, having a pharmacy nearby is not just a matter of convenience, but of basic safety.