First Aid Supplies to Be Sold at Supermarkets

First aid supplies like hydrogen peroxide solution or mercurochrome can also be sold at supermarkets. The Ministry of Health and Welfare(MOHW) announced on December 21 that 34 kinds of sterilizers which have been proven to be safe, two kinds of pain relieving aerosol sprays, and 26 insecticides will be available not only at drug stores but supermarkets as well beginning July 1, 1999.
At the same time, vitamin and mineral supplements and medicinal drinks can be sold at supermarkets, but with some restrictions: vitamin and mineral supplements must have lower dosages and medicinal drinks must be caffeine-free.
However, regulations on some medicines will be tightened.
A total 11,128 kinds of medicines which were classified as 'special medicine' including 188 kinds of newly listed medicines like elementary antibiotics or terramycin can de sold only with a prescription from a doctor at the drugstore.
Medical treatments such as digestives, pain relievers, and diarrhea remedies which were anticipated to be approved for sale at supermarkets can still only be sold at drugstores.