The MoH has also requested that provincial health departments consult their People’s Committees about the establishment of local inspection teams to monitor the production, trade, and business practices of companies and individuals involved in the sector.

The inspections will focus on compliance with laws and regulations related to production, storage, and trade of drugs, raw pharmaceutical materials, and cosmetics; traditional medicines, medicinal herbs, and related clinical practices; and food safety.

The watchdog will also scrutinise advertising practices, especially regarding traditional medicine and dietary supplements, including the involvement of scientists and healthcare officials in promotional activities.

The inspections aim to correct and penalise misleading or exaggerated advertisements.

The MoH launched these inspections to address growing concerns about public health and consumer safety due to violations in the production, marketing, and distribution of drugs, cosmetics, and health-related products, including false or exaggerated claims and poor-quality control. The move is to strengthen regulatory oversight as part of a broader effort to clean up the market, promote ethical practices, and protect consumers.

Vietnam is currently carrying out a month-long nationwide campaign to combat and prevent smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods, and curb intellectual property rights violations, starting on May 15, on the Prime Minister’s request.  

PM orders crackdown on smuggling and trade in contraband, counterfeit goods

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested that relevant ministries, agencies and localities to promptly prevent practices of smuggling and trade in contraband and counterfeit goods that have grabbed domestic headlines in recent times.