Regulatory Updates

The Korean government is reviewing a plan to extend prescription drug delivery to all telemedicine patients, prompting worries among community pharmacists about competition from large warehouse‑type pharmacies and digital platforms.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare issued a notice on Aug 26 prohibiting the creation of private qualifications that use titles such as “pharmacist,” “herbal pharmacist,” “pharmacy coordinator,” or “pharmacy administrator,” to prevent public confusion.

Pharmacist groups in Korea are demanding emergency meetings and protesting as the government hints at broader drug delivery linked to telemedicine, fearing impacts on professional roles and local pharmacies.

Korea plans to broaden medication delivery for telemedicine patients, prompting calls to address safety risks and clarify liability among pharmacies, platforms and couriers.

The Korean Pharmacists Association continued its 345-day relay rally in front of the Blue House, urging reforms to the han-yak-sa licensing system and resolution of longstanding issues.

The Seoul Pharmacists Association will hold an emergency general meeting on Sept 5 to discuss expanding drug delivery for telemedicine, safety‑stock medicine changes, and the rise of warehouse pharmacies.

서울시약사회가 비대면진료 의약품 배송 확대와 안전상비의약품 제도 변화, 창고형 약국 확산에 대응해 대한약사회 임시대의원총회 소집을 요구했습니다.

A new pharmacy name restriction bill cleared parliamentary review, aiming to prevent medicines being treated like regular consumer goods and curb excessive purchases.

The National Assembly approved a pharmacist law amendment limiting pharmacy names that could encourage excessive drug use; the Health Ministry issued a supporting statement.

Pharmacy leaders in Seoul and Gyeonggi call for an emergency KPA assembly and a rights‑protection committee in response to the government’s plan to broaden remote‑prescription drug delivery.

The Korean Pharmaceutical Association reported that a pharmacy run by a 한약사 was compounding and selling prescription medicines without employing a licensed pharmacist, prompting a complaint to local health authorities.

The Seoul Pharmacists Association urged the Korean Pharmacists Association to convene an emergency delegate assembly to formulate a unified response to the proposed expansion of non‑face‑to‑face prescription drug delivery.