Lam Dong recommends revoking 22 medical and pharmaceutical licenses

The Inspectorate of Lam Dong province, Vietnam, has recommended the revocation of 22 licenses and certificates related to medical and pharmaceutical practice. This action follows the discovery of numerous irregularities in the licensing process and subsequent inspections, with eight facilities allegedly continuing operations despite being suspended.

According to the Inspectorate's Conclusion No. 69/KL-TTr, issued on July 30, the investigation covered the period of 2023-2025. The findings revealed significant shortcomings in the state's management of licensing activities within the Department of Health. The Inspectorate has called for accountability, urging the organization to identify and penalize individuals responsible for the errors. It also stressed the need to enhance inspections and address violations, including post-licensing follow-ups.

The report identified subjective causes for these issues, including a lack of thoroughness in the consultation, appraisal, and review of hồ sơ (application files). Inspections after licensing were not consistently conducted, and the responsibility of some individuals in performing their duties was found to be lacking. The responsibility for these shortcomings was attributed to leaders and staff within the relevant departments of Binh Thuan, Dak Nong, and Lam Dong provinces prior to their reorganization.

In response, the Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee directed the Department of Health and the Department of Home Affairs to implement the Inspectorate's recommendations. The Inspectorate will monitor and urge the implementation, with all corrective measures expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026. The investigation into 300 hồ sơ for medical practice licenses revealed 20 instances of using health examination certificates with incorrect mẫu (forms), and numerous other hồ sơ with incomplete or improperly filled appraisal reports. Furthermore, inspections of 22 facilities uncovered issues such as the absence of responsible technical personnel and the presence of X-ray equipment outside of their registered scope of operation.