Medicinal products

Draft government proposal to Parliament for legislation on the development of pharmacy operations

The proposal would also change the licensing system for pharmacy operations in a way that would promote the functionality of the nationwide pharmacy network and ensure the social sustainability of its maintenance. It is proposed that, in order to ensure the availability of medicines in the area, a public notice procedure be introduced for the establishment of a branch pharmacy, which is a condition of the pharmacy licence under the pharmacy licensing system, and that the licence holder be given the opportunity to apply to convert a branch pharmacy for which they are already authorised into a branch pharmacy that is a condition of the licence. The proposal would exempt pharmacy pick-up lockers from location-based regulation.

The proposal would allow online sales for holders of retail marketing authorisations for non-prescription medicinal products (official notification procedure). In addition, the provision of online pharmacy services will be streamlined by developing the regulatory framework and conditions for the provision of such services. The amendments allow for more flexible cooperation, including between pharmacies, in the supply of medicinal products. Commencing operations would require submitting a notification to the supervisory authority. The proposal would strengthen the conditions for price competition in the pharmaceutical sector by allowing online pharmacies to set prices that differ from those of brick-andmortar pharmacies through amendments to the Medicines Act and the Medicines Pricing Regulation.
In addition, amendments to the Medicines Act are proposed to identify mechanical dispensing as a separate activity from pharmacy operations (authorisation procedure), which would clarify both the position of dispensary operators and the customer base as part of the pharmacotherapy process and regulatory supervision.
The proposal is based on the provisions of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government programme concerning a safe and effective pharmaceutical supply system and pharmacy network. The proposed amendments to the Medicines Act are due to enter into force on 1 January 2027