|
Gov't panel agrees to liberalize online drug sales
(Japan Economic Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) TOKYO, March 8 -- (Kyodo) _ The Japanese government's Regulatory Reform Council decided Friday to seek to fully liberalize online sales of nonprescription drugs.
The proposal, which was notified to the health ministry, comes at a time when officials of the ministry are considering new rules for online drug sales after the Supreme Court ruled in January in favor of two Internet retailers who argued a ministry ordinance banning such sales is illegal.
The council's latest move is apparently aimed at facilitating talks by the health ministry officials toward fully liberalizing online drug sales, according to health issue experts familiar with discussions within the government.
The council says in its latest decision that it would seek liberalization of such sales to "widen choices for consumers who are unable to buy nonprescription drugs over the counter."
It also said the ban on such sales, including sales of "category 1" drugs with high risks of side effects, should be lifted in light of the top court's ruling, while proposing to adequately ensure drug safety based on the pharmaceutical industry's independent guidelines.
"I believe there are people who want to buy (nonprescription drugs) in a more convenient manner if the safety of them is ensured," said council chair Motoyuki Oka, senior advisor for trading house Sumitomo Corp.
(c) 2013 Kyodo News International, Inc.
[ Back To Technology News's Homepage ]
|
Internet Telephony Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
CUSTOMER 
Cloud Computing Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
M2M Evolution Magazine
Call Center/CRM
Info Tech 
IP Communications 
Mobile 
Green 
Satellite 
Robotics 
