The Finnish government is considering reforms that would allow over-the-counter medicines to be sold in places other than pharmacies.
On average, over-the-counter drugs are 37% cheaper in Sweden, while prescription drugs are about 11% cheaper, according to a new study by consulting firm Copenhagen Economics.
The study compared pharmaceutical products by product category and also took into account different VAT levels in the two Nordic countries.
The biggest price difference for over-the-counter drugs was found in Swedish pharmacy online stores, where OTC drugs were up to 48 percent cheaper than in Finland.
More competition in Sweden
The study suggests that this difference is explained by the fact that competition is high in Sweden and pharmacy profit margins are significantly lower than in Finland.
Drug prices are also less regulated than in Finland. In Sweden, prices may differ between the pharmacy online he store and the physical store.
Finally, unlike Finland, over-the-counter medicines in Sweden can be purchased in grocery stores and kiosks, increasing competition.
change may come
The Finnish government is currently considering amending the law to liberalize the sale of over-the-counter medicines.
A working group at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is considering OTC medicines that may be suitable for sale outside of pharmacies.
Some of these drugs come with risks, Kimmo VirtanenCEO of Yliopiston Apteekki, Finland’s largest pharmacy chain.
“For example, painkillers are powerful drugs that differ from prescription drugs only in dosage and long-term use. They are intended to treat acute illnesses and are not intended for sale without proper advice. Is not.”
Users with a Yle ID can leave comments on news articles. Yle IDs can be created in the following ways: this link.Learn about commenting and moderation guidelines here.