SEOUL — Financial backing for South Korea's network of public late-night pharmacies is on track for a significant expansion. Lawmakers have agreed to boost next year's fiscal allocation by more than 1.4 billion won ($1 million+), primarily aimed at elevating hourly operational subsidies for participating pharmacists.

On Thursday, the Budget and Accounts Subcommittee under the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee wrapped up its deliberation on the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s 2027 draft budget, greenlighting an expanded financial framework for the scheme.

The initiative ensures that designated pharmacies remain open for at least three hours every night—including holidays—allowing citizens unhindered access to over-the-counter drugs and professional pharmacist consultations during late hours.

Under the newly passed subcommittee adjustment, hourly government grants will see a flat 10,000-won increase. Pharmacies located in general urban zones will receive their subsidies bumped from 40,000 won to 50,000 won per hour, while those operating in designated depopulation or rural regions will see rates rise from 60,000 won to 70,000 won. To accommodate these adjustments, an extra 1.45 billion won has been successfully added to the preliminary ledger.

The initial executive budget proposal submitted to parliament had originally earmarked 6.38 billion won for the program—a modest 11.7 percent bump (668 million won) from this year's 5.71 billion won. However, lawmakers pushed for further enhancements to guarantee the long-term viability and stability of the public healthcare service.

Industry experts note that this financial reinforcement will help the system solidify its footing nationwide. Once the revised budget clears final legislative hurdles, total national funding is projected to reach approximately 7.8 billion won. When matched evenly by municipal and local governments under the 50-50 funding formula, the cumulative financial scale supporting public late-night pharmacies is anticipated to surpass 15 billion won.

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