Regulation governing online sale of medicines about to come into force in Slovakia

2010-03-04

Slovak pharmacies will finally be able to apply for a permit to sell OTC medicines, dietary supplements and medical devices online, because of a Health Ministry regulation which will come into force in March 2010. This will determine the rules pertaining to online sales of medicines and their transportation, in addition to the rules under which permits will be issued. As Central Europe Pharma News reported on a previous occasion, the amended Medicines Act, which permitted online sales of medicines took effect in December 2009, but at that time a relevant clause was missing. After the amended Act was introduced, Slovak pharmacies started to offer their products online, but the Ministry warned them that without proper permission such practices were illegal. According to SME daily, the Slovak Pharmaceutical Chamber estimates that around 60% of pharmacies will not make use of the opportunity to selling medicines online and will continue to sell in the traditional manner.