Strengthening Tailored Support for Outsourced Herbal Pharmacies
Expanding Field Trip Programs
The National Institute for Korean Medicine Development has taken an active role in supporting participation in the Outsourced Herbal Pharmacy Evaluation and Certification System.
Introduced in 2018, the Outsourced Herbal Pharmacy Evaluation and Certification System was established to systematize the safety and quality control of herbal medicine preparation. To date, 21 facilities nationwide have obtained certification.
Obtaining this certification ensures credibility in areas such as facility requirements, staffing, and preparation and hygiene management. However, operators have faced significant challenges due to the complex certification preparation process and the burden of post-certification management.
To alleviate these burdens, the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development and the Korean Association of Outsourced Herbal Pharmacies have been providing tailored consulting services annually.
In 2024, a total of 12 consulting sessions were conducted, offering practical support across the evaluation process, including building blueprint reviews, document preparation methods, and guidance on certification forms.
Additionally, essential forms and explanatory materials were provided to help operators clearly understand and meet the certification requirements.
Beyond consulting, a field trip program is also being operated for non-certified outsourced herbal pharmacy operators and students from colleges of Korean medicine nationwide, allowing them to visit certified outsourced herbal pharmacies in person.
In 2024, four such programs were held, receiving positive feedback for enhancing understanding of the system through hands-on experience and providing practical learning opportunities.
Lee Jihyun, Director of the Medical Support Center at the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, stated, "Tailored consulting goes beyond simply providing information; it offers practical support that reduces trial and error during the preparation process and increases the likelihood of obtaining certification. We encourage active participation from non-certified outsourced herbal pharmacies in 2025."
For more information about consulting and field trip programs related to the Outsourced Herbal Pharmacy Evaluation and Certification System, please contact the Medical Support Center at the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development.
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