Brasília — After weeks of public divergences, supermarket and drugstore associations signaled consensus on a model for selling medicines in food retail stores. On Wednesday (17), the Senate’s Committee on Social Affairs approved a new text allowing the commercialization of over-the-counter medicines in supermarkets, provided they are sold in a separate area within the store and in full compliance with ANVISA sanitary rules. Both sectors supported the approved wording.

The proposal requires a pharmacist to be present during all opening hours, establishes rules for drugs subject to special control, and authorizes the use of digital sales channels only for delivery, as long as sanitary regulations are observed. The bill amends the 52-year-old Sanitary Control of Medicines Law.

The original proposal allowed OTC drugs to be freely displayed on supermarket shelves, with only in-person or virtual pharmacist support. Following three public hearings, Senator Humberto Costa (PT-PE) revised the text, partially accepting an amendment by Senator Efraim Filho (União-PB). Unless a request for a floor vote in the Senate is filed, the proposal will proceed directly to the House of Representatives. To become law, it must be sanctioned by the Executive.

Source: Valor Econômico

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