Hundreds of Pharmacies 'Bought' Licenses: Permit Process Becomes a Transaction

A corruption scandal has engulfed the Hanoi Department of Health, with 16 individuals, including former senior officials, facing trial for bribery in the process of issuing licenses. The accused allegedly transformed the licensing procedure into a "transactional service," enabling hundreds of medical facilities and pharmacies to obtain permits improperly.

According to the indictment, the scheme involved a network connecting private medical and pharmaceutical businesses with officials responsible for assessment and licensing. This network allegedly facilitated the "purchase" of licenses for 686 medical facilities and pharmacies between 2021 and 2024. The prosecution alleges that these facilities often did not meet the required standards for personnel, facilities, equipment, or professional procedures.

The investigation uncovered a "price list" for various licenses. Obtaining a Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) certificate reportedly cost between 15-20 million Vietnamese dong, while a Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification ranged from 30-50 million dong. Licenses for medical examination and treatment facilities could cost between 60-70 million dong or more. In exchange for these payments, intermediaries allegedly arranged for "facilitation," which included advance notice of inspection dates, guidance on completing applications, and downplaying or overlooking violations found on-site.

Prosecutors argue that these actions have weakened state management in the healthcare sector, allowing facilities that do not meet the necessary conditions to operate. The trial involves former heads and deputy heads of the Private Medical and Pharmaceutical Practice Management Division, along with other staff members and intermediaries.