Regulatory Updates

Jeonbuk pharmacists gathered outside the presidential office, urging the government and parliament to resolve the issue of traditional‑medicine pharmacists selling OTC drugs.

월말·월초 청구 집중 시 약국들의 시스템 접속 지연이 반복돼 대한약사회가 건강보험심사평가원에 운영 환경 개선을 요구했다.

Lawmaker Seo Young‑seok (Democratic Party) introduced a bill to broaden theft‑and‑leak prevention obligations from medical narcotics to all narcotics, including standard substances and raw‑material drugs.

The MFDS has been elected to the ICMRA Executive Committee for 2026‑2029, marking its first seat on the global drug‑regulation decision body.

Pharmacist groups have held relay rallies for 350 days, urging the government to define licensing duties and tighten drug‑handling rules.

The White House disclosed the second round of MFN drug‑price negotiations, now focusing on mid‑size pharmaceutical and biotech firms such as Alcon, Astellas and Teva.

Onnuri clarified that Mega Onnuri pharmacies operate under an independent pharmacist franchise model, detailing the head office’s role and sub‑lease structure after regional societies raised concerns.

Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare unveils a designation system granting generic price incentives to semi‑innovative pharma companies that meet R&D investment thresholds, excluding violations older than five years.

KADA will send eight officials to support doping control at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, from Sep 19 to Oct 4, joining a total of 44 international officers.

The government is reviewing a proposal to extend telemedicine prescription drug delivery to all patients, prompting criticism from the Democratic and Progressive parties.

Health Consumer Solidarity says expanding drug delivery for telemedicine must be preceded by a thorough safety and outcome review, prioritizing public health over convenience.

South Korea’s MFDS announced a 2027 budget of 8.829 billion KRW, focusing on AI‑based drug approval, global regulatory assistance, and a state‑run stockpile for essential medicines.