Selling drugs without prescriptions will fined up to VND 20 million from May 15

This penalty level is stipulated in the Government’s Decree No. 90/2026 which sets out penalties for administrative violations in the health sector.

Specifically, fines of VND 10-20 million will be applied to a series of violations in drug business activities, such as selling drugs without prescriptions. The current fine is VND 5-10 million.

In reality, for many years, people have easily purchased antibiotics and specialty drugs without seeing a doctor. This situation has made antibiotic resistance increasingly severe, directly threatening public health. Although the Ministry of Health has required facilities to sell antibiotics only with prescriptions, many pharmacy owners have ignored this.

According the World Health Organization (WHO), Vietnam recorded nearly 300,000 deaths due to antibiotic resistance from 2020 to 2023. This situation occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and no longer respond to drugs designed to eliminate them. As a result, patients suffer more severe illnesses, prolonged treatment duration, higher costs, and significantly increased mortality risks.

The new regulations also tighten controls on personnel-related violations in the pharmaceutical sector. Regulatory agencies will fine VND 10-20 million for individuals renting or lending professional practice certificates. For retail counter staff lacking professional qualifications, authorities will impose fines of VND 1-3 million.

On cyberspace, the Government completely bans the sale of prescription drugs, restricted retail drugs, and specially controlled drugs through e-commerce platforms. Facilities want to legally sell drugs online must report to competent authorities before operating.

For large chain systems, business owners are obligated to transparently disclose the full list of affiliated facilities and report immediately any changes in the person responsible for professional matters.

Hai Phong News