Self-care Medicine to Grocery Stores

The Finnish Grocery Trade Association sees that the pharmacy monopoly is outdated. Therefore the sales of non-prescription medicine should be allowed in grocery stores. The deregulation of non-prescription medicine must be included in the next government programme 2011-2015.

Self-care medicines sold without prescription suit the service and offer provided by grocery stores. The experience of the sales of nicotine products further emphasises this view. 

Permitting the sales of non-prescription medicines, such as painkillers and gastrointestinal products, in the grocery stores would improve customer service, boost competition and lower the consumer prices of medicines.  Self-care medicines have already been introduced to grocery stores in Denmark, Sweden and Norway, and the experience is positive.