Table 1 Summary of policy and legal framework relevant for antibiotic supply and dispensing in Vietnam

1986

“Đổi Mới” [Renovation] Policy

An economic reform initiated in Vietnam in 1986 with the goal to transform the country from a planned economy to a market economy. Among the most important health sector reforms were the introduction of user fees for health services at public hospitals, legalization of private practice, establishment of private pharmacies and private clinics, liberalization of the pharmaceutical industry, and deregulation of the retail trade in drugs [27].

1996

National Medicines Policy

This policy was released with two basic aims: (1) to ensure a sufficient supply of good quality drugs at acceptable prices, and (2) to ensure appropriate medicine usage.

2003

Decision 1847/2003/DQ-BYT on prescription-only drugs

Following this document, antibiotics are listed among the types of drugs that need to be prescribed by a health practitioner and must be dispensed with a prescription at registered drug supplier.

2005

Drug Law (34/2005/QH11)

One aim was to improve appropriate antibiotic use through the requirement of dispensing antibiotics only with a prescription. Patients are recommended to comply strictly with the prescription and provide feedback and any side effects to prescribers. Advertisements for prescription-only drugs including antibiotics are also prohibited under this law.

2008

Decision 04/2008/QD-BYT on prescriptions in outpatient treatment

This Decision replaced the previous Decision 1847/2003/DQ-BYT and was implemented with some further adjustments in the Circular 05/2016/TT-BYT issued later in 2016. Only doctors working in legal health facilities (and assistant doctors in remote areas) are allowed to prescribe and only prescribe after a medical examination. This regulation also states that doctors should not prescribe to satisfy patients’ irrational requests. And, a prescription is only valid for five days since the date of prescribing.

2011

Circular 46/2011/TT-BYT on Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP)

GPP requires the pharmacy to have proper facilities, to supply quality healthcare products, to record drug consumption, and not to sell prescription-only drugs without a prescription. A pharmacist should be present at their drugstore ro provide consultation to patients if needed, and responsible for providing health information to their clients.