The Ministry of Health asked for clarification

In a document sent to the Department of Health of Ho Chi Minh City, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) said that recently, the mass media has reflected the sale of therapeutic drugs. COVID-19 without a doctor’s prescription, including the drug Molnupiravir. Molnupiravir is conditionally licensed, as a prescription drug, and needs to continue to be monitored for its quality, effectiveness, and safety during marketing.

The use of Molnupiravir drug requires examination, prescription and guidance of a physician. The purchase, sale and use of Molnupiravir in contravention of regulations on drug prescription is a serious violation of the provisions of the Law on Pharmacy and has the potential to adversely affect health people, reducing the effectiveness of epidemic prevention and control.

In order to ensure the safety of users, strictly implement the 2016 Pharmacy Law and correct the situation of violations of the law on prescribing and selling prescription drugs in the circulation of drugs to treat COVID-19, the Drug Administration of Vietnam requests the Department of Health to The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has strengthened inspection and clarification of non-compliance with regulations on prescription drug sales when selling drugs to treat COVID-19 including Molnupiravir.

The Department of Health shall report to the Drug Administration of Vietnam before March 30 for the unit to report to the Ministry of Health.

Previously, VTC News reported the situation of some drugstore in Ho Chi Minh City sell Molnupiravir without prescription or any conditions.