The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health's Inspection and Legal Affairs Office recently announced administrative penalties in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sector. Eight facilities were fined 4 million VND each for the absence of their supervising pharmacists.
These pharmacies include Phuc Nhan (Binh Dong ward), Quang Vinh (Binh Tien ward), Loc An (Phu Dinh ward), Tan Thanh Anh and Cho SinCo (An Lac ward). Additionally, Y te Phuc An (Binh Phu ward), Ngoc Thao (Binh Tien ward), and An Vinh Phat (Binh Dong ward) faced similar charges, alongside other infractions.
Several establishments were fined for selling prescription drugs to customers without a doctor's prescription. Notably, Ngoc Thao pharmacy received the highest fine among retailers, 36,5 million VND, for three concurrent violations: selling prescription drugs without a prescription, failing to quarantine drugs as required, and the absence of the supervising pharmacist during operating hours.
Phuoc Kim pharmacy was fined 32,5 million VND for selling prescription drugs without a prescription and failing to isolate drugs designated for quarantine. Sang Trading and Pharmaceutical Company Limited was fined 30 million VND for selling drugs and drug ingredients to an entity operating outside the scope specified in its pharmaceutical business eligibility certificate.
Meanwhile, Dai hoc pharmacy at Hung Vuong apartment complex incurred an 11,5 million VND fine for not completing its three-year pharmaceutical professional knowledge update training program and for engaging in drug business outside its licensed scope. The professional in charge of this facility was also ordered to surrender their pharmaceutical practice certificate.
 |
Healthcare staff at a pharmacy. *Photo: Quynh Tran* |
Beyond these infractions, the Department of Health noted that many facilities failed to quarantine or isolate expired drugs, substandard drugs, recalled drugs, or those with unclear origins. Some pharmacies also dealt in drugs from national target programs, aid drugs, or other types prohibited from sale.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, these inspections aim to strengthen the management of pharmaceutical business activities, ensuring drug quality and safety for users.
Le Phuong
