Will the NA pass the 'mandatory INN prescription' bill?

Three bills introduced by Rep. Kim Yoon and Rep. Jang Jong-tae still pending in the National Assembly

Chosen as a national task to resolve supply instabilities

While the simplified post-notification system for substitution drugs through the government's electronic network was implemented on February 2, the pharmaceutical industry is increasingly focusing on the "limited International Nonproprietary Names (INN) prescription" bills currently pending in the National Assembly.

Members of the ruling party on the Health and Welfare Committee have expressed a consensus on the need to accelerate the review of these bills, noting that the Lee Jae Myung administration has chosen mandatory INN prescription for national essential medicines as a national task to resolve supply instabilities.

As of February 3, three bills related to limited INN prescription, introduced by Rep. Kim Yoon and Rep. Jang Jong-tae of the Democratic Party, are pending in the National Assembly.

Rep. Kim Yoon's Pharmaceutical Affairs Act Bill proposes a legal definition for supply-unstable drugs and allows the Minister of Health and Welfare to recommend the use of INN for national essential and supply-unstable drugs.

This method is considered less coercive  as it does not mandate health professionals to use INN prescription during patient care and prescription.

Rep. Jang Jong-tae's Medical Service Act & Pharmaceutical Affairs Act Bill requires the MOHW to designate supply-unstable drugs after deliberation by a Supply Management Committee. It mandates physicians to use INN instead of brand names when prescribing these designated drugs.

Notably, Rep. Jang's proposal is considered highly coercive because it includes a penalty of up to one year in prison or a fine of up to KRW 10 million for physicians who violate the INN mandate.

Some ruling party members on the Health and Welfare Committee state that if a legislative subcommittee is held this month, these bills should be officially adopted for review. 

They argue there is no reason to delay, especially given President Lee's recent criticisms regarding the slow pace of legislation.

Rep. Kim's bill has been pending for over a year since its introduction in December 2024.

The pharmaceutical industry is showing significant attention as the MOHW and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) began the implementation of the simplified post-notification system for substitution drugs, formulations, and dosages on February 2.

An official from the Health and Welfare Committee stated,​ "The ruling and opposition party mangement groups are currently coordinating the schedule for the February legislative subcommittee," and added, "If the schedule is confirmed, there is a high possibility that the INN prescription bills will be placed on the agenda, as they are drawing significant attention from both the proposed offices and the committee members."