Hospital pharmacies and retail pharmacies in China: what official English pages say

The English text of the Drug Administration Law on the National Medical Products Administration English site, on a page updated 2019-09-26, says medical institutions shall be staffed with legally qualified pharmacists or other pharmaceutical professionals who are lawfully qualified to take charge of the medical institution's drug management, check and dispense prescriptions, and offer reasonable medication guidance.

Hospital pharmacies and licensed pharmacies

The Shanghai Municipal People's Government English portal says in its guide on buying medicines that hospitals often have their own pharmacies, so you can get your medicine right after your visit.

The Shanghai guide adds that you may also take the doctor's prescription to a licensed pharmacy to buy the prescribed drugs if you wish.

The Drug Administration Law text says drug wholesale requires a Drug Distribution Certificate, and that the undertaking of drug retail is subject to approval of the drug regulatory department of the local people's government at or above the county level and requires the said certificate.

The Shanghai guide says licensed pharmacies sell over-the-counter medicines such as allergy pills and cold remedies.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines

The Shanghai guide says many medicines, such as antibiotics, need a prescription.

The Drug Administration Law text says the State adopts a classification system for prescription and non-prescription drugs.

The Shanghai guide says prescription medications can be sold only with a valid doctor's prescription reviewed by a pharmacist.

The Drug Administration Law text says prescriptions dispensed by pharmacists or other drug professionals who are qualified in accordance with the law shall be checked, and no drugs listed in the prescriptions may be changed or substituted without authorization.

Licensed pharmacies

The Shanghai guide says to go to a qualified pharmacy staffed by licensed pharmacists.

It says that before purchasing, you should confirm whether the drugstore displays its business license and whether the pharmacist wears their credentials.

The Shanghai guide says some large pharmacies in China operate 24 hours a day, allowing you to purchase medicine whenever you need it.

It says drug prices may vary by pharmacy, and that you should keep the invoice as proof of purchase.

Online pharmacies and online prescriptions

The Shanghai guide "How to buy medicines in China" says to use only platforms qualified for online drug trading business. It says to be aware of whether the site has the Certificate for Internet Drug Information Services and the Certificate for Internet Drug Transaction Services.

The Shanghai guide "How to get medicine delivered to your door" says online medical consultations for prescription drugs are available only for follow-up visits for illnesses previously diagnosed at physical hospitals, and that initial diagnosis via online platforms is prohibited.

It says that prior to payment, an on-duty licensed pharmacist must manually review the prescription to confirm dosage, compatibility, and safety.

It says payment can only be finalized once the pharmacist has approved the prescription.

It says the guide is based on two national regulations: the Implementation Regulations for the Drug Administration Law and the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Drug Online Sales.

Questions people ask

Do I need a prescription for every medicine in China?

The Shanghai guide says many medicines, such as antibiotics, need a prescription.

Who checks prescriptions before they are dispensed?

Sources

Each source above was read on the date shown. This page is an unofficial summary of general administrative information. It is not published by the bodies named above, and it is not medical advice. If it differs from the official pages, the official pages prevail, and rules may change after the check date.