Parallel Drug Import Policy in Vietnam: Benefits and Challenges

“Foreign medicine is always better!” – A common saying among many Vietnamese when it comes to healthcare. The increasing demand for high-quality imported medications has led to the emergence of the parallel drug import policy, alongside the traditional import method. So, what is the parallel drug import policy? What benefits and challenges does it bring to the people and the medical landscape of Vietnam?

Understanding the Parallel Drug Import Policy

What is Parallel Drug Import?

Imagine needing to buy a truck. Instead of only being able to purchase from an exclusive dealer, you can now buy directly from the manufacturer or other authorized dealers at more competitive prices. The parallel drug import policy works similarly.

Parallel drug import allows businesses to import medications with the same active ingredient, dosage, formulation, and therapeutic effect as drugs already licensed in Vietnam from different countries, without having to go through the original manufacturer or exclusive distributor.

Distinguishing Between Parallel and Traditional Import

Traditional Import: Vietnamese businesses import drugs directly from the manufacturer or exclusive distributor.

Parallel Import: Businesses can import from various sources, as long as the medicine meets all quality and legal standards of Vietnam.

What is parallel drug importation?

Double Benefits of the Parallel Drug Import Policy

For Patients: Access to High-Quality Medicines at Affordable Prices

This policy promotes competition among importing businesses, leading to lower drug prices, helping patients save on treatment costs, especially for expensive specialized medications.

For example, Mr. Nguyen Van A in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, suffers from a serious illness requiring long-term specialized medication. Thanks to the parallel import policy, Mr. A was able to purchase the medicine at a significantly lower price than before.

For the Pharmaceutical Market: Diversification of Supply, Reduced Monopoly

This policy contributes to diversifying the drug supply, reducing drug shortages, and creating opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to participate more deeply in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.

Challenges Posed by the Parallel Drug Import Policy

Despite its many benefits, the parallel drug import policy also faces some challenges:

• Quality Control: Importing from multiple sources requires authorities to strengthen inspection and supervision of imported drug quality, ensuring safety for users.
• Drug Price Monitoring: A mechanism for monitoring and adjusting drug prices is needed to prevent businesses from exploiting the policy for profit.

Quality control of imported drugs

Frequently Asked Questions about the Parallel Drug Import Policy

Which Drugs are Allowed for Parallel Import?

Currently, this policy only applies to certain groups of specialized drugs and medicines for rare diseases.

How to Ensure the Quality of Parallel Imported Drugs?

Consumers should purchase medicines from reputable pharmaceutical businesses with operating licenses and carefully check labels, packaging, and anti-counterfeit stamps before purchasing.

Conclusion

The parallel drug import policy is a significant step forward, bringing many benefits to patients and the pharmaceutical market. However, comprehensive solutions are needed to overcome limitations and maximize the effectiveness of the policy, aiming for the goal of “good medicine – reasonable price” for the people.

To learn more about the parallel drug import policy, you can refer to related articles on the XE TẢI HÀ NỘI website:

• Changes in policies to encourage automobile production
• Mini electric cars from China

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