Jinyeong: "We Can Prevent Duplicate Mask Purchases, But People May Still Have to Queue"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Jin Young, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said on the 4th regarding mask supply using the DUR (Drug Utilization Review) system, "It can prevent duplicate purchases, but (when purchasing masks) people might still have to line up."

Minister Jin made this remark during a government questioning session on education, social, and cultural affairs at the National Assembly, responding to a point raised by Han Jeong-ae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who asked, "Won't people now have to line up in front of pharmacies?"

DUR is a system that notifies if there are duplicate medications when prescribing or dispensing drugs. Previously, the government announced that it would include masks in this system to prevent duplicate purchases. This enables public supply management through pharmacy sales.

Regarding the follow-up suggestion that the 'Mask Map' should also be used together with the DUR system to allow checking the remaining mask stock at pharmacies, Minister Jin said, "I heard that Taiwan is doing that," and added, "The government is also working to alleviate the inconvenience of lining up to buy masks."

On the opinion that mask supply should be managed through community centers and the organizations of district and neighborhood leaders, he responded, "The Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety are finding the best measures and plan to implement them soon," and added, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is also preparing various plans regarding this matter."