[2025 Audit] "Unchanged for 13 Years: Emergency Medicine System Needs Item and Sales Restrictions Improvement"

Minister Chung Eun-kyung:
"Reviewing Relaxation of Sales Requirements...
Comprehensive Plan in Preparation"

During the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee's audit, there were calls to increase the number of over-the-counter emergency medicines sold at convenience stores and to lift restrictions on sales locations. Minister of Health and Welfare Chung Eun-kyung expressed agreement on the need for improvement and stated that a comprehensive plan would be developed, taking into account areas nationwide without pharmacies.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 30th, during the committee audit, Minister Chung responded to a question from Han Jia, a member of the People Power Party, regarding improvements to the emergency medicine system, saying, "I believe improvements are necessary to reflect the environmental conditions that have changed over the more than 10 years since the system was introduced."

In November 2012, the government introduced the over-the-counter emergency medicine system, allowing general medicines to be sold at 24-hour convenience stores during late-night hours, holidays, or in places without pharmacies. At the time, about 9,000 types of medicines could be purchased at pharmacies without a doctor's prescription, but only 13 types of general medicines, such as fever reducers and painkillers, were permitted for sale at convenience stores.

Assemblyman Han pointed out, "Only 13 medicines have actually been designated as emergency medicines, and with two of those discontinued, only 11 types are actually being sold." She added, "In particular, there are seniors in 556 regions nationwide who cannot access medicines." She continued, "The legal provision limiting emergency medicines to 20 items should be revised to expand the number of items, and the restriction allowing sales only at 24-hour, year-round locations should be lifted."

In response, Minister Chung said, "It is necessary to adjust the list of items and to address those that are no longer being produced," and explained, "In areas without pharmacies, there are no 24-hour convenience stores, so the time restrictions should also be eased."

Minister Chung also stated, "We are currently preparing a comprehensive plan and are consulting with related organizations such as the pharmacists' association. In order to establish solid criteria and review procedures for which items should be included, a committee with legal authority is necessary. Therefore, we will consider how to operate the system more flexibly and discuss this during the legislative process."