The Department of Drug Administration (Ministry of Health) has just sent a document to the Departments of Health of provinces and centrally run cities and import-export and production facilities of pharmaceutical ingredients, requesting to strengthen inspection and supervision of business activities in this field.
According to the Department of Drug Administration, in recent times, the authorities have discovered a number of cases of business and production of health-related products that are not in accordance with legal regulations. In that situation, implementing the Prime Minister's Directive 13/CT-TTg on strengthening the fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods, the Ministry of Health requested to further tighten the management of pharmaceutical ingredients.
Specifically, the Departments of Health must direct drug retail establishments to comply with regulations on reporting, using and trading pharmaceutical ingredients. In particular, it is necessary to strengthen inspection of ingredients on the list of ingredients subject to special control, strictly handle violations if any and report the results to the Department of Drug Administration.
For establishments producing, exporting, and importing drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients, the Ministry of Health requires strict compliance with regulations on the purpose of use, production, and business, and full implementation of reporting obligations. At the same time, all violations are strictly prohibited according to Article 6 of the 2016 Pharmacy Law.
Previously, the Drug Administration Department also sent a document to the Departments of Health, hospitals, and institutes under the Ministry to ensure adequate supply of drugs for medical examination and treatment. Units are required to develop a procurement plan, proactively place orders, monitor drug delivery progress and find alternatives in case of shortage.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that drug manufacturing and importing facilities need to increase supply capacity, prevent speculation and price increases. In case there is a risk of drug shortage, it is necessary to report promptly to take measures to handle it, ensuring the rights and health of the people.
