Foshan Implements Real-Name Registration for Purchase of 47 Medicines to Combat Chikungunya Fever
Foshan, a city in China's Guangdong province, has implemented a new regulation requiring real-name registration for the purchase of 47 specific types of medicine, a measure that took effect on August 1st. This policy, overseen by the Foshan Market Supervision Administration, is primarily aimed at controlling the spread of Chikungunya fever, a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. The 47 drugs on the list include common medications for symptoms associated with Chikungunya fever, such as fever, rash, and joint pain. Customers are now required to scan a QR code and provide personal information when purchasing these medications, a move that has significant implications for both the pharmaceutical industry and the general public.
4 August 2025
The policy has garnered attention on social media platforms, with posts from official sources like the Foshan Market Supervision and news outlets like Southern Metropolis Daily explaining the measure's purpose and its role in strengthening the "sentinel" monitoring of retail pharmacies in epidemic prevention. While the necessity of the measure for public health is emphasized, the social media sentiment appears to be largely compliant, focusing on the practical aspects of implementation and the health-related rationale behind the policy.
The implications of this real-name registration requirement are far-reaching. Pharmacies and drugstores in Foshan are faced with the need to implement robust systems, train staff, and ensure compliance, which could lead to increased operational costs and potentially slower transaction times. For pharmaceutical manufacturers, shifts in demand patterns and increased scrutiny regarding drug supply chains and distribution are anticipated challenges.
The policy also raises concerns about patient privacy, access to medication, and the broader implications of government control and surveillance over personal health decisions. However, if successful in its aims, the measure could have positive public health outcomes, particularly in controlling the spread of Chikungunya fever. Official data indicates a downward trend in confirmed cases of the disease in Foshan, suggesting that the policy, alongside other preventive measures, may be contributing to the management of the outbreak.
As Foshan continues to enforce the real-name registration for these 47 drugs, the balance between public health interests and individual privacy concerns will be closely monitored. The success of this policy will depend on effective implementation, public acceptance, and the perceived benefits it brings to the community's health and well-being.
