Korean Pharmaceutical Association opposes expanded medicine delivery

The Korean Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) has announced its refusal to participate in government-led discussions regarding the expansion of pharmaceutical delivery for all telemedicine patients. The association argues that the government's plan to expand delivery services before the implementation of current medical laws—which limit home delivery to specific groups like the disabled and residents of remote areas—undermines existing social agreements.

KPA Vice President Lee Kwang-min stated that the association will monitor developments and increase its response level if the expansion proceeds. He emphasized that a secure system for safe delivery and medication guidance must be established and evaluated for the current target groups before discussing a broader expansion. The association also expressed concerns that widespread delivery could weaken the principle of in-person medical consultations.

In a separate field inspection of medically underserved areas in Incheon and Gyeongbuk, KPA President Kwon Young-hee criticized the government's focus on expanding medicine delivery and convenience store over-the-counter drug availability. Kwon described these moves as “desk administration” that fails to address actual local needs. Instead, she urged the government to establish a public healthcare safety net by mandating public late-night pharmacies and installing public pharmacies equipped to support telemedicine.