The Beijing Municipal Medical Products Administration has unveiled a draft proposal titled “Guiding Opinions on Further Strengthening the Standardized Management of Pharmaceutical Retail Enterprises and Improving the Quality of Pharmaceutical Services,” inviting public feedback until September 12, 2024.
The proposal outlines several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the management and service quality of pharmaceutical retail enterprises. Notably, it mandates the installation of uniformly designed “green cross” light boxes in pilot locations to standardize drug classification and display. The document emphasizes the need to distinctly separate areas for prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, as well as specialized zones for cell therapies, traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces, and other regulated medications, ensuring dedicated management and personnel oversight.
Licensed pharmacists are required to wear identification badges during business hours to clearly indicate their roles, and adherence to regulations regarding pharmacists’ certifications will be strictly monitored.
Additionally, the proposal allows pharmaceutical retail enterprises to sell products from the Food & Medicine Catalogue with simple packaging and no functional indications over the counter, enabling public access without prescriptions. Pharmacies are also encouraged to diversify their offerings to include cosmetics within their approved business scope.
The document advocates for a strategic layout of pharmacies in proximity to medical institutions, suggesting an increase in designated pharmacies for medical insurance. It supports pharmacies in providing health monitoring services such as weight and blood pressure checks, chronic disease management, and accessibility features for the elderly. Furthermore, it encourages the adoption of new technologies, including AI and robotics, to enhance operational efficiency and customer service, including the establishment of 24-hour drug sales and self-service vending machines for OTC medications.- Flcube.com
