S. Korea to allow narcotics exports for medical purposes

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to allow the export of narcotics
used for medical purposes amid increasing overseas demand for drugs to treat
incurable diseases, the health ministry said Tuesday.
Under current law, all narcotics are prohibited from being exported, though the
government recently endorsed a revised bill aimed at easing the restriction on
drugs used for medical treatments, according to the Ministry for Health, Welfare
and Family Affairs.
According to the ministry, under the revised bill those seeking to purchase or
sell medical-related drugs will be obliged to get prior approval from
authorities, a move aimed at stepping up surveillance of the possible abuse of
such materials.
"The medical aspects of narcotics are getting more attention these days as demand
is growing due to aging populations and increasing occurrences of incurable
diseases," the ministry said in a statement.
"But currently all narcotics are banned from being exported, denting the
competitiveness of local pharmaceutical companies in overseas markets. The bill
is expected to raise their overall competitiveness," the ministry added.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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