Ho Chi Minh City launches crackdown on counterfeit medicines, medical devices

The move was aimed at swiftly detecting and halting the distribution of falsified products that pose a threat to public health.

Hospitals and healthcare centers were urged to conduct comprehensive inspections of the pharmaceuticals, supplements, and medical equipment currently in use.

The directive emphasized that only products with clear origin and regulatory approval may be used or sold.

These facilities were also required to reassess procurement processes and review purchase records of medicines, supplements, and medical devices to identify any potential irregularities.

If any suspicious, unlicensed, or substandard products are discovered, these must be sealed and immediately withdrawn from use.

Pharmaceutical firms were ordered to review their inventory and ensure compliance with licensing conditions.

Only products officially approved for circulation are permitted for sale.

Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for the Quality Control of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics was directed to intensify sampling and quality testing of medicines and supplements currently available on the market.

Health offices were tasked with alerting local pharmacies, clinics, and the public to avoid dealing in or using counterfeit health products, while stepping up inspections and monitoring of healthcare product advertising and sales activities to quickly detect and address any violations.

Pharmacies found selling counterfeit goods

The crackdown came after police in Hanoi dismantled a large-scale counterfeit goods trading and production ring in early May, arresting seven individuals and seizing over 100 metric tons of fake supplements.

The ring was led by Pham Ngoc Tien and his wife Doan Thi Nguyet, 37.

According to police officers, Tien directed Luong Thi Yen, an accountant, to establish 17 companies, with six focused on imports and eleven on domestic distribution.

These individuals admitted that they had been manufacturing and distributing counterfeit products, including foodstuffs and medical equipment, to pharmacies and hospitals nationwide since 2020.