Kokumin, a drugstore chain based in Osaka, Japan, has been found to have improperly operated its pharmacies by allowing managing pharmacists to oversee multiple locations. According to medical laws in Japan, a managing pharmacist is required to be present at a single establishment to ensure patient health management. The company has acknowledged that its practices violated these legal requirements and is considering the repayment of dispensing fees received from public insurance for past services. This issue was revealed through a whistleblower report that came to light at the end of last year.

It was confirmed that the issue affected a total of twelve stores across Osaka, Hyogo, and Fukuoka, where managing pharmacists were dispatched to assist locations facing staffing shortages due to illnesses or other issues. Instances were noted where dispatched pharmacists used stamps belonging to on-site managing pharmacists to process prescriptions, thereby avoiding detection. The practice had been continued under the directives of two area managers, who admitted to being aware of the legal violations but chose to prioritize the operational continuity of the stores instead.

Kokumin has reported the findings to local health authorities and is receiving guidance on corrective measures. Since the initial whistleblower report, the company has begun to retrospectively assess the involvement of part-time pharmacists over the past year and plans to continue investigating past practices over three years. They have stated their commitment to responding appropriately, including the possibility of refunding applicable dispensing fees received during the investigation periods.