The document was released after several cases in which patients were given incorrect drugs or out-of-date medicines.

To prevent the violations being repeated, Director of the Medical Services Administration asked directors of provincial and municipal departments of health, directors of hospitals and leaders of health organisations to strengthen inspection and supervision on safe drug use.

The department also asked directors of hospitals to give guidance on setting up and closely supervising processes related to drug use. The processes must be approved by the hospitals’ Medicine and Treatment Council and directors based on Circular No.31/2012/TT-BYT. The circular, issued on December 20, 2012 by the MoH, providing guidelines on pharmaceutical activities in hospitals.

Hospitals should improve the work of their medicine and treatment councils, analyse problems related to drug use and have prompt measures for them.

The process of delivering medicines from pharmaceutical wards to patients should be checked to ensure the medicines are used correctly and safely based on Circular No.21/2013/TT-BYT. The circular was issued on August 8, 2013 by the MoH, providing regulations on organisation and operation of medicine and treatment councils in hospitals.

Medicines used every day should be recapitulated at clinical wards, while lists of medicines must be made public and the medicine delivery must comply with Circular No.23/2011/TT-BYT. The circular was enforced on June 10, 2011 by the Ministry of Health, giving guidance on drug use in hospitals and clinics.

The drug use must be supervised  in accordance with Circular No.07/2011/TT-BYT issued on January 26, 2011 by the health ministry, giving instructions on taking care of patients at hospitals.

Hospital should give awards and encouragement for organisations and individuals who follow the regulations well, and give strict punishment for violations.

If hospitals suffer any obstacles related to the work, they can contact the Medical Examination and Treatment Management Department by phone on (84-24) 62732445./.