February 2009

Korean Pharmaceutical Association(KPA) proposed the establishment of penalties for doctors on the illegal rebate.

KPA has proposed the establishment of punishment provision to Ministry of Health, Welfare and Family (MoHWFA)regarding illegal rebate.

Pharmacists and oriental pharmacists are punished under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law when monetary rewards and/or entertainment related to medicine purchase are received. However, penalties for doctors on the same matter do not exist as of yet.

Considering the current situation, in order to practically eradicate illegal rebate, KPA decided the establishment of penalty provision for doctors is urgent. Thus, KPA proposed the amendment to the Enforcement Ordinance of medical law to MoHWFA.