Health Convenience stores and vending machines to sell OTC drugs

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.

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