The Ministry of Health asked the Ho Chi Minh City Health Department to check the status of some pharmacies selling molnupiravir without a doctor’s prescription, in violation of regulations.
“The purchase, sale and use of the antiretroviral drug molnupiravir contrary to prescribing regulations is a serious violation of the Pharmacy Act and has the potential to harm public health and reduce the effectiveness of epidemic prevention and control, as well as the risk of counterfeiting. and contraband drugs”, the Ministry of Health said in a statement, and asked the Ho Chi Minh City Health Service to report the results of inspections and handling of violations before March 30.
The suggestion was made by the Ministry of Health after the Vietnam Drug Administration received reports that several pharmacies in Ho Chi Minh City were selling molnupiravir without a prescription. According to Ministry of Health regulations, pharmacies only sell molnupiravir to people who have an F0 certificate issued by the local health department, or who have a prescription for molnupiravir by a doctor, or video footage of the home testing positive. . . This regulation is to avoid speculation and increase in drug prices.
Ho Chi Minh City Health Department also strengthened check buying and selling drugs for the handling of Covid-19, checking the circulation, issuance, and use of molnupiravir; dealing with abuses, avoiding losses and smuggling drugs into the market. In the event that criminal signs are found, the Ministry of Health submits the file to the competent authority for handling.
A representative from Long Chau FPT, owner of the Long Chau pharmacy chain – the first pharmacy chain to sell monulpiravir, said on the afternoon of March 24 that “there is no situation of selling over-the-counter drugs”. In March, the Ministry of Health conducted irregular inspections of 8 drug sales points of the system many times, no violations were recorded. Regarding the process, buyers of molnupiravir in Long Chau must fill out a form confirming complete information about health indicators when tested positive, have underlying diseases such as cardiovascular, blood pressure, lung, neurological … Then, a team of teleconsulting doctors will guide and prescribe the drug appropriate. Pharmacists also advise shoppers about signs that occur while taking medication such as the need to contact a doctor or when to go to the hospital… so that customers can understand and treat the disorder.
Molnupiravir is manufactured by the Boston Vietnam Company – one of the first three companies licensed to manufacture this drug by the Ministry of Health. Photo: Quynh Tran
Molnupiravir is a prescription drug, licensed by the Ministry of Health, on the market starting February 23, with the condition that it is a prescription drug and must be prescribed by a doctor. In the early days, people Have a problem With this regulation due to the rise of new infections, F0 cannot access medical personnel to be “appointed by a doctor”. Pharmacies find a way delete difficult for buyers, accept selling drugs for cases where there is an F0 treatment certificate from the local health department or a positive self-test video at home.
On March 5, the Ministry of Health applied for a permit to the Prime Minister use video People self-recorded rapid home testing processes as a basis for buying molnupiravir, to address the health system’s overload. The ministry suggested that pharmacies and drugstores are responsible for prescribing and selling molnupiravir to the public, collecting data and reporting to local health posts or health centers on a daily basis.
Molnupiravir is indicated for adult Covid-19 patients aged 18 years and over with mild to moderate severity and at least one risk factor for severe disease progression, according to Ministry of Health guidelines. Molnupiravir should not be used for more than 5 days in a row, has few side effects, requires strict adherence; At the same time, during use should also be carefully monitored. Do not use the drug for pregnant women, lactating women, children under 18 years.
Thuy Anh
at Blogtuan.info – Source: vnexpress.net – Read the original article here
