Clear legal framework needed to regulate online pharmaceutical business

DNHN - The online pharmaceutical business is becoming a crucial issue among experts and regulators.

Currently, Vietnam’s Law on Pharmacy and Decree 54/2017/ND-CP do not specifically regulate the sale of drugs on e-commerce platforms. However, the number of e-commerce websites operating in this field is rapidly increasing. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has approved 52,000 e-commerce websites for sales, including 900 sites related to drugs and pharmaceuticals. The lack of a legal framework leads to numerous risks, particularly the possibility of purchasing counterfeit or substandard drugs.

Experts believe that establishing a legal framework will help protect consumers from substandard products while creating conditions for businesses to operate legally. To realize the online pharmaceutical business, there must be specific regulations regarding product origin, quality, and advisory personnel.

Buying medicines online not only saves time for consumers but also helps reduce traffic congestion and emissions. The actual demand for buying drugs online is growing, especially in the context of disease outbreaks and digital technology development. However, this comes with significant risks. The danger of buying counterfeit or uncertified drugs is ever-present, potentially causing severe harm to consumer health.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Lê Văn Truyền, former Deputy Minister of Health, online drug sales need strict regulations concerning advice and drug usage guidance. "The sellers must be responsible for advising buyers, which is crucial and must be clearly defined," he emphasized.

The draft amendment to the Law on Pharmacy, currently under review by the National Assembly, includes significant adjustments regarding the sale of drugs on e-commerce platforms. Accordingly, besides traditional pharmacy sales, online platforms will also be allowed to sell drugs, but must comply with specific regulations.

Specifically, businesses engaged in online drug sales must meet requirements regarding facilities, business licenses, and advisory personnel. Moreover, only non-prescription drugs will be permitted for online sales, while prescription drugs will require stricter management.

National Assembly member Nguyễn Anh Trí, former Director of the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, also agrees with the proposals in the draft. He believes that allowing the sale of drugs online for cases with a doctor’s prescription is necessary, as long as the pharmacies are registered and reputable. This will not only make it easier for people to access medicines but also ensure safety for public health.

Despite the numerous benefits of online pharmaceutical sales, businesses face many challenges. According to Nguyễn Trung Dũng, CEO of Phương Chính Pharmacy, digital transformation and e-commerce participation are "essential" tasks for pharmacies in the modern era. However, he also pointed out that there are currently no specific regulations for online drug sales, which makes it difficult for pharmacies to legally and safely conduct business.

“There is a real demand from the public, but the lack of clear regulations leads to risks for both consumers and businesses,” Dũng stated.

Vietnam’s pharmaceutical market is expected to reach $7.8 billion by 2023 and could increase to $17 billion by 2030. This growth not only provides opportunities for businesses but also drives improvements in the healthcare system and public health.

To realize this potential, establishing a clear legal framework for online drug sales is essential. It will not only protect consumers but also create conditions for businesses to operate transparently and responsibly.

Online pharmaceutical sales are an inevitable trend in the digital age, but this requires a strict legal framework to protect public health. Regulatory authorities need to quickly finalize the draft amendment to the Law on Pharmacy to ensure consumer safety and sustainable development for the pharmaceutical industry. Clear regulations will not only help minimize risks but also create a favorable environment for the growth of e-commerce in the pharmaceutical sector.

Nghe Nhan