The competition watchdog proposes greater price competition between pharmacies. It says over-the-counter products could also be sold outside of drug stores. The Finnish pharmacy association has not warmed to the reform proposal.

Cheaper medicines would save the state around 100 million euros annually as well as provide drugs at lower prices for patients.

Medicine is six percent more expensive in Finland compared to Sweden and Norway.

The authority notes that similar reforms undertaken in other countries have not endangered the provision of medicines in remote areas or posed any threat to security. Although the authority has drawn up the plans itself, the government has called for a reform of pharmacies in its manifesto.