A parliamentary subcommittee on Monday passed a bill to permit the sale of certain drugs at local supermarkets and general stores that could make it easier for people to buy medicine without going to pharmacies.
Lawmakers belonging to the National Assembly's health and welfare committee approved the revision to the country's pharmaceutical affairs act, which only permits pharmacies to sell drugs.
The restrictions apply to all types of medication including non-prescription drugs such as those to help relieve headaches and minor indigestion that are classified as so-called over-the-counter drugs and sold in general stores in many other countries.
Lawmakers, however, limited the number of drugs that could be sold at supermarkets and other retail outlets to 20, with the bill to be reviewed by the full health and welfare committee on Tuesday.
In order for the bill to become law it must be approved by the plenary session of parliament.
South Korean policymakers tried once before to allow some non-prescription drugs to be sold at supermarkets, but the move was opposed by pharmacists who feared the loss of business. They also warned that such an arrangement could lead to excessive use of medication, which would have a negative impact on public health.
The latest move by lawmakers come as public opinion strongly favors the sale of certain drugs at supermarkets and general stores because they are more accessible to consumers than pharmacies. (Yonhap)