Vietnam Supermarkets Allowed to Sell Selected Medicines Next Year

Supermarkets and other business establishments in Vietnam will be allowed to sell some medicines on the restricted list starting on January 1 next year, state media reported citing the Pharmacy Law. The information was announced in the meeting of the National Assembly (NA) on April 6. In addition, the Law is revised to encourage organizations and individuals to open pharmacies, drug stores serving at night. The Law also prohibits pharmacies from selling drugs without prescription. The Law prescribes the State’s policy on pharmacy and the development of the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical business, medicine management at health care centers and the management of medicine quality, among others. Nearly 63% of NA deputies agreed that practice certificates must be issued to each pharmacist. (vneconomy.vn Apr 7, vtv.vn Apr 7)