'Medicine Vending Machines' Expected to Launch at 10 Pharmacies in Seoul... Challenges Inevitable Due to Pharmacists' Opposition

by Lee Gwanju

Published 23 Jun.2022 09:12(KST)

Members of the Korea Pharmaceutical Association are shouting slogans at a rally to oppose medicine vending machines held in front of Brownstone in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 20th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The 'medicine vending machine' that received a regulatory sandbox exemption is expected to enter pilot operation at 10 pharmacies in Seoul. However, fierce opposition from the pharmacist community makes initial difficulties inevitable.

According to the related industry on the 23rd, the Ministry of Science and ICT approved the demonstration exemption for ThreeR Korea's 'Over-the-Counter Smart Video Sales Machine' at the 22nd ICT Regulatory Sandbox Committee meeting held on the 20th.

The medicine vending machine granted the demonstration exemption is a smart vending machine installed in front of pharmacies that allows customers to consult and receive medication guidance through video calls with pharmacists and purchase over-the-counter drugs.

Under the current Pharmacist Act, the sale of medicines by pharmacists outside pharmacies is prohibited, making the sale of over-the-counter drugs through vending machines impossible. With the introduction of the video dispensing machine, it will be possible to purchase over-the-counter drugs through consultation with pharmacists even during hours when the pharmacy is not operating.

Currently, a pilot project is expected to be conducted for three months at 10 pharmacies in Seoul, with performance evaluations followed by a gradual expansion of installation areas. If the pilot project proceeds normally, medicine vending machines could be operated at some pharmacies as early as the second half of this year.

However, it is uncertain whether actual installation will take place amid strong opposition from pharmacists. The Korea Pharmaceutical Association issued a statement upon the approval of the demonstration exemption for the medicine vending machine, declaring, "We will not cooperate with any conditional demonstration exemption projects, including ensuring that the medicine vending machine is not piloted at a single pharmacy." This is interpreted as an intention to block the installation of the medicine vending machine in pharmacies and thereby nullify the demonstration exemption.

There are also concerns that this could lead to another legal dispute. Last year, ThreeR Korea filed and later withdrew a lawsuit for damages against pharmaceutical association executives, accusing them of obstructing the installation of the video sales machine. The conflict between the association and the company could deepen into an emotional battle.

Individual pharmacies have mixed reactions. Some pharmacies have already expressed their intention to install the medicine vending machine to ThreeR Korea. On the other hand, there are cautious responses due to the labor cost burden of having to hire separate pharmacists for consultation at the vending machines, along with concerns about facing public criticism as a 'fight over livelihoods.' One local pharmacist said, "From the perspective of public safety, it is right to maintain the principle of face-to-face dispensing, but if mishandled, it could backfire," adding, "I hope both the company and the pharmaceutical association approach this matter carefully."