[Over the counter drugs--a new era in Israel]

The reformation in the marketing of non-prescription medicinal products has been launched. As of May 10th 2005, the pharmacist regulations 2004 (marketing of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs outside of pharmacies, as well as not by a pharmacist) will be in effect. This change aLlows the marketing of medicines outside of pharmacies, as has been the custom in the U.S.A., England and some of the European Union countries for many years. This reformation is incorporated in a policy that encourages self-medication by the use of non-prescription drugs. The self-medication policy originates from the point of view of the consumers who wish to be responsible for their own health and save precious time wasted on doctor visits; and the government's assumption that self-medication of OTC medicines by citizens wiLL decrease expenses for the HMOs in both doctor's billings as well as medication costs. In order to regulate the marketing terms of these medicinal products, regulations and complimentary guidelines were written and published. These documents encompass the following issues: the list of OTC medicines, marketing reguLations, packaging regulations, Licensed marketing Locations, storage regulations as well as display regulations, advertising regulations, monitoring and control. The medicinal products in this category only included medicines containing "safe" active ingredients with restrictions regarding the strength/concentration and packaging size; this category does not include medicines requiring special storage conditions (such as refrigeration or freezing), medicines containing an active ingredient that is addictive, medicines containing an active ingredient with danger of poisoning if misused, and medicines containing an active ingredient that has the potential to harm. The implementation of the regulations and guidelines will improve the consumer's ability to diagnose and treat oneself when sick with minor ailments, without consulting a doctor.