Sale of Medicines on Internet to Be Intensively Controlled
The sale of medicines on the Internet is to be intensively controlled.The Korea Food & Drug Administration (KFDA)announced on August 6 that it has begun to crack down on the selling of medicines from today because medical sales conducted from places other than pharmacies is now banned by current pharmaceutical law.
The KFDA said that the sale of medicines or health food on the Internet by a pharmacist is illegal, although pharmacists are allowed to operate homepages on the Internet and offer advice on health matters to visitors.
It also explained that the operation of a Internet homepage by lay people or a 'cyber pharmacy' without actual premises is in violation of pharmaceutical law.
The KDFA added that if a pharmacist claims to be able to offer specialist treatment of specific diseases such as dermatological conditions or diabetes on his Internet homepage, it will qualify as illegal advertising.
Pharmacists who commit these misdemeanors will be given penalties including suspension of pharmaceutical operation for a month.
Seo Jang-soo:jsbee@joongang.co.kr
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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