Hà Nội steps up inspections at private drugstores

HÀ NỘI — Health inspectors in Hà Nội have suspended operations at ten clinics and private drugstores since April.

Inspection teams have examined a total 58 clinics and private drugstores over the last four months.

The main violations found involved inadequate infrastructure, licensing, space and the sale of food supplements without food-safety licenses.

According to the city’s Health Department, there are 35 hospitals, 165 general clinics, 668 traditional medicine clinics and 2,658 specialised clinics and medical service centres in the capital. The city is also home to 6,861 drugstores and drug companies, but many do not meet Government standards.

In order to effectively manage the operation of private clinics and drugstores, the city’s Health Department in co-ordination with relevant agencies will step up inspections and strictly punish any violators, while making those cases public in the media. — VNS