Vietnam Ministry of Health secures drug supply for summer season

The Ministry of Health issued a directive urging provincial health departments, hospitals, drug manufacturers, exporters and importers to review inventories and build reserves of essential medicines ahead of the hot summer months. The move aims to prevent shortages of critical drugs for treatment and epidemic response as extreme heat raises the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses, dengue, hand‑foot‑mouth disease and heat‑related conditions.

The guidance also calls for continuous monitoring of supply chains, rapid reporting of any shortages to the Drug Management Agency, and coordination with the central Ministry to address market disruptions. Earlier, the ministry had ordered a recall of Nara Organic infant formula after a U.S. voluntary withdrawal linked to botulism cases, underscoring the emphasis on safety and supply stability.