An end to a state-run monopoly?
Parliament To Vote On Pharmacy Monopoly
The Swedish parliament on Wednesday is voting on whether to abolish the country’s state-run Apoteket pharmacy retail monopoly.
The government wants to open up the market to allow other retailers to sell non-prescription drugs such as headache tablets.
At present , the Swedish public can only buy prescription and non prescription drugs from Apoteket pharmacies, which have restricted opening hours.
Under the law proposed by the centre-right government , private companies can apply for franchises to run Apoteket stores.
The law is expected to be passed later on Wednesday afternoon.
(DR)
