Ministry executes tight monitoring of over-the-counter drug sales
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan on November 12 addressed questions from deputies at the ongoing 15th National Assembly’s 8th session regarding key issues in her sector, such as the oversight of substandard private clinics, the sale of over-the-counter medicine, and benefits for healthcare workers engaged in disease prevention and disaster response.
Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan on November 12 addressed questions from deputies at the ongoing 15th National Assembly’s 8th session regarding key issues in her sector, such as the oversight of substandard private clinics, the sale of over-the-counter medicine, and benefits for healthcare workers engaged in disease prevention and disaster response.
Responding to inquiries about managing private clinics that fail to meet standards, the minister stated that under the law on medical examination and treatment, each clinic is granted only one operating licence. This licence is based on compliance with strict requirements for facilities, equipment, and qualified personnel. Over the years, several clinics have faced suspension due to lapses by those responsible for its professional operations.
On the issue of unregulated sales of prescription drugs, Lan stressed that regulations strictly prohibit the sale of prescription medications without a valid prescription. The absence of a responsible professional on-site can lead to administrative fines of up to 5 million VND (197.3 USD). The ministry has also implemented a national electronic prescription system, which provides unified management across the country. The system requires all pharmacies to log information whenever prescription drugs are dispensed, ensuring transparency and linkage with healthcare facilities to monitor compliance.
"Non-compliant establishments will be penalised under the legal regulations on pharmaceuticals," affirmed the minister.
🃏 Questioned about policies for healthcare staff who risk their lives in disease control and disaster relief efforts, she stated that the ministry has submitted recommendations to the Government for related recognition and commendation targeting the group in accordance with existing regulations./.
The Ministers of Health, and Information and Communications will field questions raised at the 15th National Assembly’s ongoing eighth session on November 12.
E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products were at the centre of a question-and-answer event at the ongoing 8th session of the 15th National Assembly (NA) on November 11.
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan cleared up questions regarding the allocation of personnel, drugs, and medical supplies to the public, disease prevention and control after natural disasters, and medical practice licensing at the hearing of the 15th National Assembly’s eighth session in Hanoi on November 11.
Despite storm-related disruptions and flight delays, the organs were successfully transported via a combination of air and ground travel. All patients are currently stable and recovering well.
The patient, Tieu Viet But, born in 1970 and residing in Binh Tri commune, Binh Son district, the central province of Quang Ngai, was working aboard fishing vessel Qng – 95657TS when the incident occurred at 7:00 am.
All drugs entering hospitals must have a clear origin, so counterfeit drugs are only in the market, not in hospital, affirmed Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan.
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Leading Vietnamese companies specialising in respiratory and dermatological treatments, traditional medicine, immune support supplements, and functional foods will have an opportunity to connect with international distributors and secure export deals.
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Vietnam’s traditional medicine took centre stage at the International Congress Biopharm Nonclinical Development, BioNCiD 2025, held on May 25-26 in the Cuban city of Varadero, amid growing global interest in sustainable healthcare solutions.
Under the agreement, VNVC and Sanofi will gradually implement technology transfers to enable domestic production of several key Sanofi vaccines that are widely used in Vietnam. In addition, Sanofi will support VNVC in training human resources and quality management in vaccine research and manufacturing.
Despite the ongoing global circulation and unpredictable developments of SARS-CoV-2, the World Health Organisation (WHO) hasn’t issued new warnings about COVID-19, said the Ministry of Health.
