Evaluations and Certification System for Extramural Herbal Dispensaries

In Korea, after the amendment of 「Enforcement Decree of the Medical Service Act」in September 2008, which allows the installment of herbal dispensaries separated from Korean medicine institutions in addition to the employment of shared-use of herbal dispensaries, the installment and utilization of extramural herbal pharmaceutical facility has gradually been increased, and consequently, the need for tracking current status and strengthening the management of extramural dispensaries has also been raised. As a result, in May 2018, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) introduced the certification system for evaluation of such herbal dispensaries. Being designated as an institution for certification procedure, the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development (NIKOM) has been in charge of such process since then.

Evaluations and Procedure of Certification System for Extramural Herbal Dispensaries has an aim for improving
credibility of not only Korean medicine but also herbal acupuncture as medicine, and supporting the institutions to induce continuous as well as autonomous improvement of the dispensaries, by establishing and presenting standards for the dispensing process, facility, and management system.

<Certification Mark>

<Certification Mark for Extramural Herbal Dispensaries in Preparation of General Korean Medicine>	<Certification Mark for Extramural Herbal Dispensaries in Preparation of Herbal Acupuncture>

The certification criteria applied to the extramural herbal dispensaries for Korean medicine preparation consist of 9 evaluation areas, 25 evaluation categories, and 81 evaluation items, based on regular standards. On the other hand, the criteria applied to the dispensaries for dispensing herbal acupuncture consist of 9 evaluation areas, 30 evaluation categories, and 165 evaluation items.

From September 2018 to October 2019, NIKOM conducted 24 on-site evaluations, and 7 herbal dispensaries received certifications: 2 in herbal acupuncture and 5 in Korean medicine. 

Evaluations and Procedure of Certification System for Extramural Herbal Dispensaries gives a guideline for preparation territory of extramural herbal dispensaries affiliated with Korean medicine institutions. Specifically, it established various standards, including facility, management of ingredients in Korean medicine and preparation process, and document and personnel management, etc. We are hoping the participation of herbal dispensaries for an evaluation to increase, so that the public can not only get herbal acupunctures but also intake Korean medicine in a safe manner.