Regarding the suspected case of fake cancer drugs and drugs of unknown origin at the Center, what did the Hapulico representative say?

Regarding the suspicion of some fake drugs and drugs of unknown origin appearing in the Hapulico supply chain, speaking with reporters, a representative of Hapulico said that in case there are inspection results or notices from state management agencies about the discovery of a pharmacy/enterprise at the Center trading in fake drugs, Hapulico will proactively terminate the rental of premises and invite them to leave the Center.

Vu Nghi Van Cancer Drug Price of Unknown Origin at Hapulico Representative Center Picture 1 — HAPU Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Distribution Center.

Previously, on April 6, after receiving a document from the Drug Administration, Hapulico immediately communicated to each store/business about improving the detection of counterfeit drugs.

Information from Mr. Ngo Quoc Doanh (Deputy General Director of Hapulico Real Estate Investment Joint Stock Company) affirmed: "Enterprises/pharmacies, and premises lessees must take full responsibility before the law. This is a binding point in the contract signed between Hapulico and the enterprises, which clearly states that if there is a violation of the law, Hapulico will terminate the premises lease contract before the deadline and invite that entity to leave the center".

"We have regularly and clearly communicated this to each subject and the bulletin board right at the entrances of the Center. However, as the unit leasing the location, Hapulico can only stop at the level of propaganda. Verifying where the fake drugs are and which units are trading in fake drugs so that Hapulico can stop renting the premises requires the close involvement of functional agencies and state management agencies," said Mr. Doanh.

Vu Nghi Van Cancer Drug Price of Unknown Origin at Hapulico Representative Center Picture 2 — Bustling image of buyers and sellers inside the center.

According to Mr. Doanh, Hapulico had previously terminated the lease contracts with 2 businesses and asked them to leave the Center due to trading and supplying fake medical products. Currently, Hapulico Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Distribution Center has 205 counters with 168 businesses. Of which, 188 counters sell pharmaceuticals, 17 counters sell medical equipment and functional foods, health protection foods.

According to information from the Drug Administration of Vietnam - Ministry of Health on April 6, this Department has just issued an official dispatch on strengthening inspection, examination, and supervision of drug quality and preventing counterfeit drugs.

The document stated that since the beginning of the year, the Drug Administration of Vietnam has continued to receive information related to counterfeit drugs, suspected counterfeit drugs from AstraZeneca Vietnam Co., Ltd.; Novartis Vietnam Co., Ltd.; F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Representative Office in Hanoi ; Les Laboratoires Servier Representative Office in Hanoi; Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Asia Pacific) Pte., Ltd. Representative Office.

To continue to enhance the effectiveness of the fight against counterfeit drugs, drugs of unknown origin, and poor quality drugs, ensuring effective treatment, safety, and health for patients, the Drug Administration of Vietnam requests the Hanoi Department of Health to deploy the notification of counterfeit drugs and drugs of unknown origin.

“Particularly focus on verifying some fake and suspected fake drugs appearing in the supply chain at the Hapulico Drug Wholesale Center (No. 1 Nguyen Huy Tuong, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi) and drugs purchased at pharmacies for use in the Central Hematology and Blood Transfusion Hospital” - the document clearly stated.

Vu Nghi Van Cancer Drug Price of Unknown Origin at Hapulico Representative Center Picture 3 — Currently, Hapu Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Distribution Center has 205 counters with 168 businesses. Of which, 188 counters sell pharmaceuticals, 17 counters sell medical equipment, functional foods, and health protection foods.

The drugs mentioned are TobraDex, box of 1 Droptainer 5ml (labeled with lot number: 22C10HB, expiry date/EXP: 03/10/2024, manufacturing date/ MFD: 03/10/2022; lot number: 22B16LA, expiry date/EXP: 02/16/2024, manufacturing date/ MFD: 02/16/2022). This is a drug used to treat eye inflammation, eye infections...

And Adcetris 50mg (labeling registration number: 1-647-15, Public Price: 13071.30 SR). This is an anti-cancer drug.

The Drug Administration of Vietnam requests the Hanoi Department of Health to periodically and suddenly inspect the implementation of professional regulations on pharmaceuticals of establishments producing, trading and using drugs in the area; promptly detect, prevent and strictly handle according to regulations cases of trading in counterfeit drugs, drugs of unknown origin, smuggled drugs, drugs purchased and sold without valid invoices and documents, etc.

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