Convenience Store Drugs a Risk to National Health, say Pharmacists

To permit convenience stores to sell pharmaceuticals is a threat to citizens’ health and a move that seeks to benefit wealthy retail conglomerates, the association claimed. (Image: Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 18 (Korea Bizwire) – The Korean Pharmaceutical Association was out in force on December 17 to protest the government’s plans to widen the range of drugs available at convenience stores.

“Even though cases of people with side effects caused by drugs sold at convenience stores are continuing to be more frequently reported, and illegal activity by shopkeepers has become hazardous, the Ministry of Health and Welfare instead of figuring out appropriate countermeasures is working ever harder to increase the types of drugs available at convenience stores,” read a statement at the rally.

The Korean Pharmaceutical Association was out in force on December 17 to protest the government’s plans to widen the range of drugs available at convenience stores. (Image: Yonhap)

Those in attendance declared that certain forces in the government were still carrying out the pernicious policies set in place by the prior presidential administration, despite the Moon-led government’s designation of the enhancement of public safety as one of its main priorities.

To permit convenience stores to sell pharmaceuticals is a threat to citizens’ health and a move that seeks to benefit wealthy retail conglomerates, the association claimed.

Four key demands were unveiled at the rally: the establishment of a public pharmacy open during night hours on weekends and national holidays; a work shift system linking pharmacists and emergency room staff to reduce overcrowding and provide for efficient drug prescriptions; the withdrawal of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s plan to expand the drugs available at convenience stores; and enhanced oversight of stores with required training for employees.

According to the organizers’ estimates, about 1,100 association members from all over the country attended the Sunday rally.

Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)