Sharp Increase in Tamiflu Purchases
In an interview with Dan Tri on February 11, representatives from FPT Long Chu pharmacy chain reported a sevenfold increase in customer inquiries about Tamiflu (an antiviral medication for flu treatment) due to the complex developments of the flu outbreak.
Concurrently, the number of people purchasing the drug has also surged. Despite the heightened demand, the price of Tamiflu at FPT Long Chu remains stable at 520,000 VND per box of 10 tablets.
Mr. Chau Thanh Tu, Head of the Professional Pharmacy Council at FPT Long Chu, shared that the current supply of Tamiflu is still insufficient to meet customer demands. The company is continuously working with manufacturers and distributors to secure additional supplies promptly, ensuring reasonable pricing. Therefore, the public is advised not to stockpile large quantities, which could affect other patients’ access to treatment.
Customers visiting FPT Long Chu pharmacies to purchase medication (Image: LC).
Mr. Tu noted that all pharmacies selling Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) must dispense it based on a doctor’s prescription and adhere to the inventory control regulations set by the Ministry of Health. Patients should only purchase the medication after being examined and prescribed by a doctor, who must accurately diagnose and prescribe the appropriate dosage.
Additionally, pharmacists must have sufficient knowledge of pharmaceutical law, diseases, and medications to dispense correctly and avoid over-prescription or misuse.
Representatives from Pharmacity also reported a significant increase—over 50%—in customers seeking flu treatment medications, including Tamiflu, driven mainly by public awareness of the flu outbreak. Pharmacity has ensured an adequate stock of these medications through pre-planned procurement from suppliers, preventing any shortages.
Despite the high demand, Pharmacity maintains stable prices for antiviral medications to ensure affordability for all customers.
Pharmacity confirms no shortage of flu treatment medications (Image: Pharmacity).
Pharmacity further explained that antiviral drugs like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza) can reduce the severity of the illness and shorten recovery time if used early. However, they are effective only when used at the right time and under proper medical supervision. Self-stocking and misuse at home should be avoided.
No Shortage of Medications, Strengthening Supply Monitoring
According to the Drug Administration Department (Ministry of Health), medications containing Oseltamivir are still adequately supplied.
Regarding Tamiflu, the importing company reports a current stock of over 10,000 boxes, with recent sales of more than 30,000 boxes to distributors. Additional imports of approximately 50,000 boxes are scheduled.
Furthermore, domestically produced Oseltamivir medications are available in quantities exceeding 300,000 tablets, with wholesale prices remaining unchanged.
The Drug Administration Department warned that any actions exploiting the situation to increase prices for profit will be penalized under Article 15, Clause 4 of Decree 87/2024, with fines ranging from 50 million to 80 million VND for individuals. Organizations face penalties double that amount.
Leaders from the Drug Administration Department inspect medication supplies at hospitals during Tet (Image: BYT).
Additionally, violators must rectify their actions by returning any profits gained from illegal activities.
Previously, the Drug Administration Department issued directives requiring units to ensure adequate supplies and prevent stockpiling and price hikes. They emphasized securing medication stocks for potential winter-spring illnesses.
Health departments in provinces and cities are instructed to closely monitor disease outbreaks and medication usage, enhancing inspections and oversight to ensure rational distribution and prevent speculative hoarding and unreasonable price increases.
Affiliated hospitals under the Ministry are urged to proactively plan for medication reserves and purchases, particularly antiviral drugs, to ensure timely availability and prompt treatment for flu cases.
The Drug Administration Department also emphasized the need for rational use of antiviral medications to minimize the risk of drug resistance.
Source link: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/nguoi-dan-o-at-mua-thuoc-tamiflu-duoc-si-noi-khong-nen-tich-tru-20250210233718614.htm
