S.korea passes bill to permit supermarket drug sales

The parliamentary health committee on Tuesday passed a bill to permit the sale of non-prescription drugs at local supermarkets that would make it easier for people to buy medicine. Lawmakers belonging to the Health and Welfare Committee approved the pharmaceutical revision bill to allow supermarkets and other general stores to sell up to 20 types of so-called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including cold medicines, headache pills and painkillers. The new law would further expand the list of OTC drugs allowed in non-pharmacy stores after the health ministry in August last year allowed sales of 44 pharmaceutical products, including energy drinks, ointments, creams and medicated patches. To be enacted, the bill has to pass through the Legislation and Judiciary Committee for a floor vote in a plenary session, which is slated for Thursday. The new law, if passed, will go into effect as early as August. South Korean policymakers initially tried in 1997 to allow some non-prescription drugs to be sold at supermarkets, but the move was opposed by pharmacists who feared business losses. From 2000 through 2007, the government permitted the sale of some disinfectants, vitamins, and mouth wash at general stores, although restrictions on other types of drugs were left intact. The latest move by lawmakers comes as public opinion strongly favors the sale of certain drugs at supermarkets and general stores because they are more accessible to consumers than pharmacies at night and during holidays.