Japanese Drug Store Chains Plan 24-Hour OTC Sales Under New Law
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
When new Japanese rules for selling over-the-counter drugs take effect in June, major drug store chains plan to offer OTC medicines around the clock. The new version of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law discontinues the requirement that stores have a pharmacist present whenever OTC drugs are sold, an expense most stores were not willing to bear for 24-hour operation. The new law requires they only have registered sellers, and no more the highly trained and expensive pharmacists, on duty for most OTC sales. The chains feel they have to offer 24-hour service to fend off competition from other stores. (Click here for more - a subscription may be required
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