What are regulations on the drug prices and drug information at drug-retailing establishments in Vietnam?
Currently, what are regulations on the drug prices and drug information at drug-retailing establishments in Vietnam? I look forward to having the above question answered.
What are regulations on the drug prices and drug information at drug-retailing establishments in Vietnam? (Image from the Internet)
Based on Section 4.5.3.6 of Chapter IV of the Handbook of Practice at Drug-retailing establishments (issued with Decision 696/QD-QLD in 2021), the regulations on drug price management and drug information at drug-retailing establishments are as follows:
Drug Price Management
Principles of state management on drug prices
- Manage drug prices according to market mechanisms, respect the right to determine prices, and compete in prices among organizations and individuals engaged in drug business as prescribed by law.
- Ensure transparency and transparency of drug prices when circulating drugs in the market.
- Protect the legitimate rights and interests of organizations, individuals engaged in business, consumers, and the interests of the State.
- Implement price stabilization measures and use other measures to manage drug prices in accordance with the socio-economic development conditions in each period.
Price management measures related to drug-retailing establishments
- Post retail drug prices in Vietnamese dong at the place of transaction or the place where drugs are sold by pharmaceutical businesses; print, write, or stick retail prices on the packaging or outer packaging of drugs; publicly announce on boards, papers, or other forms.
The posting of retail drug prices is done by printing, writing, or sticking retail prices on the packaging or outer packaging of drugs; or publicly announcing on boards, papers, or other appropriate forms that are convenient for customers, competent state agencies to observe and identify, without obscuring the mandatory content of drug labels (Article 135, Decree 54/2017/ND-CP). drug-retailing establishments must post retail prices for each type of drug at the drug-retailing establishment (Article 135, Decree 54/2017/ND-CP).
- Implement price stabilization measures as prescribed by the Price Law for essential drugs when there are abnormal price fluctuations or price level fluctuations affecting economic and social stability.
- Regulate the maximum retail margin for drugs sold at drug-retailing establishments within the premises of medical examination and treatment facilities.
Prohibited actions related to drug prices
- Selling drugs at prices higher than declared prices or posted prices.
- Promoting drugs in violation of the law: Goods and services promoted do not include alcohol, lottery, substitute milk, medicines for humans, including drugs allowed to circulate as prescribed by the Ministry of Health (except for promotions for drug business entities).
*Drug information
Drug information is the collection and provision of information related to drugs, including indications, contraindications, dosage, administration, adverse reactions of drugs, and other information related to the quality, safety, and effectiveness of drugs by responsible establishments providing drug information to meet the information requirements of state management agencies on pharmaceuticals, organizations, individuals directly practicing medicine, pharmacy, or drug users.
Content and responsibilities of drug information at drug-retailing establishments
- Drug information aims to guide the proper, safe, and effective use of drugs for healthcare professionals and drug users.
- Drug information must be updated, clear, complete, accurate based on evidence, easy to understand, and appropriate for the target audience receiving the information.
- Information for drug users includes the name of the drug, its uses, indications, contraindications, dosage, administration, and issues to note during the drug use process.
- drug-retailing establishments are responsible for providing drug information in accordance with the following documents:
+ National Drug Formulary of Vietnam.
+ Instructions for drug use approved by the Ministry of Health.
+ Documents, professional guidelines related to drugs issued or recognized by the Ministry of Health.
- drug-retailing establishments have the following responsibilities:
+ Provide professional advice to drug users on measures to handle abnormalities during the drug use process.
+ Collect and report to competent authorities information on abnormalities during the drug use process.
Best Regards!
