Japanese retail chain in free drugs row

In Japan, Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara has outraged health officialsby supporting Tokyo-based discount retail chain Don Quijote, which is supplying medicines free to late-night customers after they consult a pharmacist over a videophone at 10 of its outlets in the capital.

A Health Ministry spokesman noted that, as this strategy is illegal under current laws, the company will probably be instructed to cease and desist. However, Mr Ishihara said: "I think Health Ministry officials have no idea about people's actual conditions in urban areas."

The Don Quijote chain began selling medicines at its Tokyo outlets in August after setting up a pharmacist center. No pharmacists were available at the outlets, but customers could talk with them via a videophone after describing their health problems to store employees. The pharmacist then gave the staff instructions on suitable medications. The chain was forced to cease the practice after a Ministry official told it that, under the Pharmaceutical Law, a pharmacist must be on hand at drug-selling outlets. Don Quijote responded by giving drugs away free to customers.