Vietnam - Five drug firms fined for violations

The Health Ministry’s Inspectorate Department has given penalties to five pharmaceutical companies and warned another for their violations of regulations on management and use of addictive medicines.

Minh Hai Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company was fined VND75 million (US$3,600) for purchasing materials to illegally produce medicines with methamphetamine precursor pseudoephedrine (PSE), for selling psychotropic drugs to wrong users, and for issuing fraudulent invoices.

Ha Tay Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company (Hataphar), Tien Giang Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company (Tipharco), and Health Import Export Joint Stock Company (Yteco) were penalized VND20 million each for illegally selling materials for the production of medicines with PSE.

Mediplantex National Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company was fined VND10 million for labeling and making medicines with ingredients different from those registered with the Health Ministry.

Besides issuing fines, the Inspectorate has also warned Imexpharm Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company about storing drugs with active addictive ingredients and PSE not in accordance with applicable regulations.

In respect of Imexpharm exporting drugs with codeine and PSE worth VND2.6 billion (US$124,000) to Indochina Pharma Co. Ltd in Cambodia without an export license from the Health Ministry, the Inspectorate said it has referred the case to an investigation agency for handling.

PSE is used in making medicines for a number of diseases including cold, rhinitis, and sinusitis but can be also used in preparing methamphetamine, a very addictive stimulant.

TUOI TRE

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