MFDS and Local Governments Joint Crackdown on Illegal Distribution and Sale of Pharmaceuticals

Intensive Inspection of Illegal Distribution of Steroid, Ephedrine, and Etomidate Products

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 25th that it will conduct joint inspections with 17 city and provincial local governments (cities, counties, and districts) to check for illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals until the 28th.

During this inspection, the distribution status between medical institutions and wholesalers of pharmaceuticals containing steroids, etomidate, and ephedrine?substances that have been ongoing social issues due to illegal distribution?will be verified and investigated.

Approximately 740 locations, including hospitals and clinics located in 246 cities, counties, and districts nationwide, will be inspected. Based on the supply and return volumes of the relevant products, the inspection will focus on the status of pharmaceutical receipt, usage, administration, and dispensing.

If any signs of illegal distribution by medical institutions or violations by wholesalers are found as a result of the inspection, necessary measures such as requesting investigations will be taken.

An official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated, "To eradicate illegal pharmaceutical distribution, we will continuously collaborate with local governments to conduct inspections and will also monitor sales sites and social networking services (SNS) for illegal online sales of pharmaceuticals, promptly requesting site blocking when necessary. We will do our best to minimize harm to the public caused by illegal pharmaceutical distribution and to create a safe and effective environment for pharmaceutical use."