A study panel released a report Thursday conditionally permitting overnight sales of over-the-counter drugs under the guidance of pharmacists via videophone, ministry officials said.
The report, compiled by pharmaceutical experts for the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, contains conditions for such sales between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
One is that retailers must have pharmacists ready to go to their stores in the event customers complain of side effects after taking the medicine. Under the pharmaceutical law, pharmacists must be physically present at retailers to sell over-the-counter drugs. There has been debate on whether sales conducted when pharmacists are only available through videophone would contravene the law.
It became an issue when discount retailer Don Quijote Co. began selling drugs at night while using videophones linking its outlets to pharmacists. Upon receiving the panel's report, the ministry is expected to revise the pharmaceutical law so the new rule can be put into effect April 1.