Many "negligible" errors are still fined
The Government has just issued Decree No. 90/2026/ND-CP stipulating penalties for administrative violations in the field of health.
The use of drugs in medical examination and treatment facilities – especially in the inpatient treatment and outpatient monitoring areas – is being tightened management with many specific sanctions. According to current regulations in Article 41, a series of errors in prescribing, dispensing and monitoring drug use may be subject to administrative penalties, even revocation of practicing certificates.
Common violations such as missing information in prescriptions, not checking carefully before dispensing... can all be fined from 1–2 million VND. Specifically, practitioners will be fined if:
Not clearly stating the drug name, dosage, how to use, and duration of use in the medical record or prescription.
Not checking and comparing prescriptions before dispensing
Not confirming the correct patient information before giving medicine
Do not record the dispensing time of medicine
Failure to monitor and promptly detect adverse events when using medication
Notably, not monitoring and reporting drug adverse events is not only fined but can also be additionally severely handled.
Faulty prescription may be fined up to 20 million VND
Violations related to prescribing expertise are considered more serious. Accordingly, a fine of 10–20 million VND will be applied if:
Prescriptions that are not consistent with the diagnosis or condition of the disease;
Prescribe products that are not authorized for prescription;
Prescribing not in accordance with the approved instructions for use or treatment regimen;
These errors not only affect the effectiveness of treatment but also pose a potential risk of directly harming the health of patients.
Selling expired drugs may be fined up to 30 million VND
The highest penalty, from 20–30 million VND, applies to acts of issuing or selling substandard drugs, including:
Expired medicine
Substandard preservatives
The drug has been recalled
Drugs of unknown origin
This is a particularly serious group of violations, which can cause serious consequences for patients.
Possible revocation of practicing certificate
In addition to fines, violating individuals may also be deprived of the right to use a license or practicing certificate for 1–3 months if:
Not monitoring and handling drug adverse events;
Violating regulations on prescribing;
Issuance of substandard drugs;
Compulsory payment of treatment costs for patients;
For cases of incorrect prescriptions that affect patients, facilities or practitioners must also pay all incurred medical examination and treatment costs.
