A total of 29,813 convenience stores across South Korea sell over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – A total of 29,813 convenience stores across South Korea sell over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Convenience stores first got the green light to do so in November, 2012. Previous restrictions were lifted to increase access to OTC drugs when pharmacies would close, such as the holidays or during early morning hours.
The number of stores that sell OTC drugs has nearly doubled. In December 2012, there were 17,162 such stores.
With the number of pharmacies in Korea standing at 21,626 as of June of this year (statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service), the number of pharmacies now falls short of the number of convenience stores selling basic medication.
With the number of pharmacies in Korea standing at 21,626 as of June of this year (statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service), the number of pharmacies now falls short of the number of convenience stores selling basic medication. (Image: Yonhap)
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
