By KAZUHIRO FUJITANI/ Staff Writer
November 29, 2024 at 16:21 JST
Over-the-counter drugs that do not require a prescription. The items in the photo will not necessarily be available at convenience stores or through vending machines. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
The health ministry will soon allow sales of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without the need to visit an on-site pharmacist in person, and even vending machines.
Sales will be based on the premise that consumers first receive an online consultation from a pharmacist or registered seller.
The ministry aims to finalize discussions on the issue by the end of the year and submit a bill to revise the pharmaceutical and medical device law during next year’s ordinary Diet session.
It presented a draft framework at an expert panel meeting on Nov. 28.
Under the current system, over-the-counter drugs that do not require a prescription can only be sold at stores with pharmacists or registered sellers on-site.
Online sales must also be handled by stores with pharmacists on-site.
Over-the-counter drug sales at convenience stores are currently permitted only when pharmacists are available.
The ministry’s proposed revision would allow consumers to purchase over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores or vending machines by presenting a “confirmation certificate” issued after completing an online consultation with a pharmacist.
Unlike conventional online sales, which take several days for delivery, the proposed change in the system would allow consumers to obtain relief for their symptoms immediately.
The online consultations would be conducted by “supervising stores” staffed with pharmacists, which would also bear responsibility for the sales.
Convenience stores adding this option to their services would need to partner with designated supervising stores in the same prefecture.
The issue of waiving on-site pharmacist requirements was first included for consideration in plans for regulatory reform approved by the Cabinet in 2022.
The aim is to ensure access to over-the-counter drugs not only in areas facing shortages of pharmacists but also late at night and early in the morning.
As of February 2023, only 0.7 percent of convenience stores nationwide sold medicines, according to the Japan Franchise Association.
The industry has called for a review of the current system.
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