Hyssälä wants to keep sale of over-the-counter drugs in pharmacies only
Minister of Social Affairs and Health presides over opening of Finnish Medicines Agency
Liisa Hyssälä
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Minister of Social Affairs and Health Liisa Hyssälä (Centre) says that Finland will not follow the lead of Sweden and allow the sale of non-prescription medicines by retailers other than pharmacies.
From the beginning of this month, Sweden is allowing the sale of most non-prescription drugs in food stores, kiosks, and filling stations, for instance.
This means that analgesics and allergy medicines, for instance, can be bought at Swedish grocery stores now.
Speaking in Kuopio on Monday at the launch in that city of the Finnish Medicines Agency, Hyssälä said that she has taken the line that sales of medicines should remain under the control of pharmacies.
However, there are plans for relaxation in some of the legislation governing the sale of medicines in Finland. Giving more leeway for the establishment of branch pharmacies and medicine cabinets in rural areas.
Hyssälä also feels that online sales of pharmaceuticals is also being developed.
“I recently became acquainted with a vending machine for medicines, where it is possible to buy medicines, and to get advice for using them from pharmacy personnel.”
The machine was in Germany.
Sweden has reportedly approved the sale of 450 of the approximately 900 over-the-counter medicines available for sale outside pharmacies.
Under the rules, those buying medicines at ordinary shops must be over the age of 18. There are also restrictions on the storage and display of the medicines.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 3.11.2009 - TODAY |
 Hyssälä wants to keep sale of over-the-counter drugs in pharmacies only |
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