Japan to speed up switch from prescription to over-the-counter drugs

Acid blockers and migraine treatments among medication not sold at stores

20231226N Drug store

Japan could reduce medical costs by allowing more drugs to be purchased without a prescription. (Photo by Koji Uema)

KENTARO SHIOZAKI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan is looking to speed up the process of making prescription medication available over the counter, as the country lags behind other peers due to lengthy screenings.

A health ministry panel on Tuesday issued an interim report calling on the government to allow over-the-counter sales of drugs that are already approved for such purchases in at least two overseas markets.

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