Minister Jung Eun-kyeong of the Ministry of Health and Welfare said at the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee audit on the 15th that, in response to concerns that warehouse-style pharmacies could disrupt the distribution order, "It is necessary to monitor and evaluate how they affect the distribution of medicines and whether there are aspects that undermine order."
A warehouse-style pharmacy is a large pharmacy that displays and sells over-the-counter medicines and health supplements like a big-box store. Its medicine prices are relatively cheaper than those at pharmacies nationwide.
Jang Jong-tae, a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea, noted, "Warehouse-style pharmacies are doing quite well, and if there are no regulations, large capital will enter more easily and more quickly, and pharmacies will spring up everywhere," and asked, "As of September this year, four warehouse-style large pharmacies of at least 330 square meters nationwide have opened; does the current Pharmaceutical Affairs Act have provisions on opening large pharmacies?"
In response, the Minister answered, "There are no separate standards for size or area."
Jang said, "If large capital enters, neighborhood pharmacies may close one by one, and in the end this damage will be borne entirely by residents in medically underserved areas," adding, "Extraordinary measures are needed for warehouse-style pharmacies as well."
The Minister said, "It is still in the initial stage, but it is necessary to closely analyze how this will affect distribution order and the overall medicines market and to prepare countermeasures."
The Minister said, "We will gather opinions, conduct surveys, and review overseas cases to develop policy options," adding, "In the short term, we are preparing to revise the enforcement rules by drafting an amendment to prohibit unnecessary advertising that could mislead consumers, such as 'best,' 'lowest,' and 'mart-style special price.'" The Minister added, "We will review institutional improvement measures on the impact on the overall distribution order and on ways to maintain access to medicines."