Major pharmacy reforms in Sweden

Sweden's liberal-conservative government has announced details of the final elements of its comprehensive pharmacy reform program, involving  the shift from a state monopoly in the retailing of prescription and  over-the-counter drugs to a largely privatized and deregulated system by  the end of this year. Some medicines, such as aspirin, will be available  outside pharmacies while pharmacists, who are currently graded as  state-employed clerical staff, are granted flexible terms to take over  the ownership of their stores. Big chains will also be encouraged, with  900 outlets - half of the country's total - offered for sale in packages  of up to 20 pharmacies.

The government, a coalition of the libertarian-conservative Moderate  party, the Christian Democrats and the Liberal People's Party, hopes  that drug prices will be made more competitive. Pharmacies will be  allowed to negotiate discounts with branded and generic drugmakers,  while OTC products are already subject to free pricing.