Ministry of Health and Welfare Issues Correction Orders to 57 Pharmacies Hoarding 'Nasal Spray and Antipyretics'

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 31st that it plans to issue corrective orders to 57 pharmacies in 48 cities, counties, and districts suspected of 'hoarding pharmaceuticals.'

Since January, the ministry conducted on-site inspections of 398 pharmacies and medical institutions suspected of stockpiling large quantities of unstable supply medicines such as Sudafed tablets for runny nose and Setophen suspension fever reducers.

Focusing on the pharmacies' pharmaceutical inventory and dispensing records, the inspection found that some places purchased large amounts of unstable supply medicines but did not use them, accumulating stock at levels two to three times the usual monthly usage. Some were also found to have engaged in actual wholesale activities by selling most of their purchases to other pharmacies, disrupting market order.

Under the current Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, acts that disrupt market order such as hoarding pharmaceuticals are prohibited. Violations can result in suspension of business for up to one year, imprisonment for up to one year, or fines up to 10 million won.

The ministry plans to issue corrective orders to pharmacies judged to have hoarded medicines. Compliance will be further inspected, and additional administrative actions such as suspension of pharmacy operations will be taken against those who do not follow the corrective orders.

Jung Kyung-sil, Director of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated, "Excessive hoarding and wholesale activities by pharmacies are clear violations of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act and cause imbalances in pharmaceutical supply among pharmacies, harming both patients and pharmacies. We will continue to monitor excessive stockpiling and inter-pharmacy transactions of unstable supply medicines."

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