Purchase of Self-Test Kits Eases... Some COVID-19 Over-the-Counter Medicines Still in Short Supply

Lifting 5-Item Limit "Makes Purchasing Easier"... Pharmacy Stock More Available
Children's Fever Reducers and Spray Throat Inflammation Treatments Still Hard to Buy

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The purchase limit of five COVID-19 self-test kits has been lifted as of the 27th, easing the supply of self-test kits. On the 28th, a check of major pharmacies in Seoul showed that while the quantity available for sale has increased, there were no significant issues with purchasing. However, some COVID-19 over-the-counter medicines, such as fever reducers for infants, continue to be in short supply.

On the morning of the 28th, a check of about ten pharmacies in the Gangdong-gu area of Seoul confirmed that all were selling self-test kits normally. Some pharmacies even posted notices stating "Self-test kits in stock." A pharmacy official said, "The supply of self-test kits is sufficient," adding, "There should be no major difficulties in purchasing them."

Office workers buying self-test kits on their way to work also expressed relief. Lee (38), an office worker who purchased 10 self-test kits, said, "Since I have children and the company requires frequent testing, I used up five kits quickly, but now that I can buy multiple kits at once, it has become a bit more convenient."

Self-test kits displayed at the pharmacy.

However, some over-the-counter COVID-19 medicines, such as certain fever reducers and cold medicines, are still experiencing shortages. Syrup-type fever reducers for children, liquid-type expectorants, and spray-type sore throat treatments were difficult to find even in relatively large pharmacies near hospitals. A pharmacy official explained, "Children's fever reducers usually sell well even under normal circumstances, but it seems that more parents are buying in advance due to the COVID-19 outbreak," adding, "Since children have difficulty swallowing pills, syrup-type products are in high demand."

With the spread of the Omicron variant increasing the infection rate among infants and young children, and the general management group of confirmed cases expanding to include those aged 60 and over, changes in quarantine policies are expected to sustain demand for COVID-19 over-the-counter medicines for the time being. The government is expanding production and imports to respond to the surge in demand and is encouraging the pharmaceutical industry to increase supply. The health authorities stated, "We are working with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure sufficient supply of medicines in the market and have requested cooperation from medical and pharmaceutical sectors for appropriate prescription quantities and prescribing solid forms instead of syrups."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.