An inter-sector inspection delegation of representatives from the health, finance, trade and police sectors on April 9 began their work to clarify the cause of unreasonable increases in drug prices which have caused public concern in Hanoi and HCM City.

After two days of inspecting 10 units and nearly 2,000 types of drugs, the delegation concluded that there has been no major fluctuation and speculation in prices. However, 15 products’ prices have risen by 3-5 percent against the regulated prices. Meanwhile, many poor patients have suffered disadvantages from the soaring prices of imported and domestic drugs.

A resident from Trung Hoa ward, Nguyen Ngoc Toan complained, “Drug prices on the domestic market have sharply increased, thus driving up the price of basic products, such as rice, meat and vegetables. I wish that the State would work out flexible regulations to effectively control drug prices, which often fluctuate on the market.”

According to the Department of Pharmacy Management, one of the reasons behind a recent increase in drug prices is due to commission charges, gifts for doctors and hospitals’ drug boards and expenses for marketing activities and seminars. All these costs are added to drug prices, placing a heavier burden on citizens, and poor people in particular.

Nguyen Thi Toan from Cau Giau precinct, Hanoi said she often has to buy drugs at whatever prices the traders offer and does not know when the drug prices have gone up or down. There is no bargain at the chemist’s.

Hope is high that through the inspection, local authorities will identify loopholes exploited by businesses to push up prices. Leaders from the Ministry of Health have promised to make all-out efforts in solving this serious problem.

Tran Qung Trung, chief inspector from the Ministry of Health said the ministry will find out if there are any export businesses trading in an illicit way that will bring the price up and if producers are pushing up prices on their own or not. The ministry will also inspect whether the market is flooded by illegally imported and counterfeit drugs.

Experts say that the basic measure to prevent drug price hikes is to have a legal framework to adjust the pharmacy market. Nearly two years after the Drug Law came into effect, relevant ministries have not issued directives on drug management. It is expected that after the drug inspection, the relevant ministries will devise directives on drug management in the next five months.