BPOM Denies Claims New Regulation Weakens Pharmacists’ Role

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has denied claims that its new regulation weakens the role of pharmacists by allowing drug distribution in minimarkets, hypermarkets, and supermarkets under the supervision of support staff or healthcare workers.

The controversy stems from BPOM Regulation No. 5/2026, enacted on April 6, which governs the supervision of the management of drugs and drug materials in pharmaceutical service facilities and other outlets.

BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar stressed that the regulation does not mandate the placement of pharmacists in modern retail stores. Instead, it focuses on ensuring proper management of over‑the‑counter and restricted‑prescription drugs to safeguard public health.

“This regulation governs the management and supervision of drugs during distribution, including procurement, storage, delivery, return, destruction, and reporting of over‑the‑counter and restricted‑prescription drugs,” Taruna said in Jakarta on Thursday, May 21, 2026. “What is regulated is drug management, not the placement of pharmacists in minimarkets or supermarkets, as has been rumored.”

He explained that BPOM Regulation No. 5/2026 is a follow‑up to Government Regulation No. 28/2024 and serves as an implementing rule for Law No. 17/2023 on health.

The regulation was introduced to close the regulatory gap in the supervision of over‑the‑counter and restricted‑prescription drugs, which have long circulated in modern retail outlets without clear oversight.

Before the regulation was issued, drug management in hypermarkets, supermarkets, and minimarkets remained in a gray area, posing risks such as distribution irregularities, compromised drug quality, and potential misuse.

BPOM has now strengthened its oversight system to ensure greater public protection. Regulation No. 5/2026 provides the agency with a stronger legal basis to monitor and enforce compliance, including the authority to impose administrative sanctions for violations. (Misni Parjiati)