Regulatory Updates

Pharmacist groups in South Korea warn that the swift expansion of warehouse‑type pharmacies and disputes involving herbal pharmacists threaten their professional survival, calling for urgent regulatory action.

Bills to tighten regulation of warehouse‑type pharmacies and grant special police powers are awaiting review, but the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee remains inactive, delaying legislation.

A 296‑day relay demonstration in front of Seoul’s Blue House, attended by pharmacy leaders and students, urged the government and parliament to overhaul the herbal pharmacist licensing system.

South Korea's National Assembly is advancing Pharmacy Act amendments to curb external capital influence, limit naming and prevent duplicate operations of warehouse‑type and corporate network pharmacies.

The Seongdong-gu Pharmaceutical Association held its 7th regular board meeting, discussing new pharmacy solicitation practices and committing to visit violators, while pledging participation in the 2026 integrated care multi‑drug management project for seniors and disabled.

A draft amendment to the Pharmacy Act aims to prohibit 'warehouse‑type' pharmacies, citing concerns over external capital influence and loss of pharmacy independence.

외부 자본이 개입한 '창고형 약국'을 차단하기 위한 법안이 곧 발의돼 약국 독립성과 공공성 확보가 논의됩니다.

The Suwon City Pharmacists Association conducted its mid‑year audit on March 8, reviewing accounting and operations while discussing challenges such as warehouse‑type pharmacies and drug shortages.

The Seoul Administrative Court ruled that a 1‑year suspension of a pharmacy operating under the drug‑separation exception in a medically underserved area is justified after it refused a Ministry of Health and Welfare on‑site inspection.

The association named the implementation of ward‑dedicated pharmacists and activation of specialist pharmacist roles as key initiatives for the second half of the year, emphasizing their importance for preventing medication‑related safety incidents.

The Korean Pharmaceutical Association continued its 292‑day relay protest, urging the government to resolve the herbal pharmacist’s right to open pharmacies and sell OTC medicines.

The Gyeonggi‑do Pharmaceutical Association sub‑chapter chairpersons council strongly opposes the Ministry of Health’s proposal to increase convenience‑store OTC safety medicines from 13 to 20 items, calling it a hasty policy that threatens public safety.