More drug vending machines on the way
25/2/2003 18:02
People in Shanghai will be able to buy over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
from vending machines in more locations, with 150 convenience stores to install
machines this year, the Youth Post reported today.
The number is expected
to increase to 300 within three years, said an industry analyst.
The
vending machines first appeared in Shanghai in August last year, providing 328
OTC drugs and 22 kinds of disease consultation materials.
However, many
local residents worried that no pharmacists were available at convenience
stores. "The machine is simple to operate, but a child or older person could
easily make a mistake, creating a danger," said a local resident surnamed
Zhang.
Standards for handling medication are stricter than for ordinary
commodities, so supermarkets and convenience stores must greatly improve
management standards, said the analyst.
Currently only some 40,000 people
nationwide have pharmacist qualifications, so there is a shortage of qualified
pharmacists for drug stores, let alone convenience stores, the analyst
said.
"At the very least salespeople in department stores or convenience
stores should have professional training on common drugs," he
added.
Wendy Zhang/ Shanghai Daily news
|
