Portugal to allow Internet drug sales

In Portugal, following the application of Decree Law 307/2007 on the legal framework for pharmacies, the sale of medicines over the Internet will be permitted for e-pharmacies (covering both non-prescription and prescription drugs) and licensed outlets (for non-prescription medicines only) certified by Infarmed, the Portuguese national competent authority.

This will mean that pharmacies and licensed outlets can have a web site from which patients and consumers can order medicines. A specific person will deliver the medications to the person's home and check the products against a prescription, if one is required.

Also, a public awareness campaign will be launched this year to inform and educate people about the risk of buying medicines from doubtful Internet sites.