The company was fined 7 million VND for improperly transferring waste and 90 million VND for misrepresenting information in its environmental impact assessment report.
On 10/6, authorities, acting on a tip from residents, discovered 11 nylon bags containing 98.4 kg of "Cetecoenzetilax Cinnarizin 25mg" and damaged blister packs discarded at an illegal dumpsite on Xuan Thieu 21 Street in the former Lien Chieu District. This batch of medication, manufactured in 2023 and expiring in 2026, had been recalled by the Drug Administration of Vietnam due to reduced potency; nearly 190,000 tablets were affected.
Regulations stipulate that drug disposal must be carried out by a specialized company under contract and supervision. While the company documented the disposal and pledged to transfer the drugs to a qualified handler, they were actually given to Nguyen Ngoc Nhan, a scrap collector, for disposal.
Nhan explained that due to the high cost of disposal at the Khanh Son landfill (700,000 VND/vehicle), he dumped the drugs on a vacant lot along Xuan Thieu 21 Street.
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Motion sickness and vertigo medication from Central Pharmaceutical Company 3 dumped on the sidewalk at an illegal dumpsite on 10/6. Photo: Ngoc Truong |
Motion sickness and vertigo medication from Central Pharmaceutical Company 3 dumped on the sidewalk at an illegal dumpsite on 10/6. Photo: Ngoc Truong
The company convened its disposal board and related departments to review the incident and determine individual and collective responsibilities. In addition to the fine, the company must restore the environment at its own expense.
Cetecoenzetilax is an antihistamine used to treat motion sickness and vertigo, with symptoms including dizziness, tinnitus, and nausea. To avoid side effects, patients should follow the instructions of their doctor or pharmacist.
According to Circular 11/2018 of the Ministry of Health, the head of any facility with drugs requiring disposal must establish a drug disposal board of at least three people, including one person in charge of professional matters. Drug disposal must ensure the safety of humans, animals, and the environment. After disposal, the facility must prepare a report and submit it to the Department of Health according to the prescribed template. The entire disposal process for recalled drugs must be completed within 12 months of the recall date.
Ngoc Truong
