The HCM City police busted a criminal network that was manufacturing and trading fake COVID medicines. — Photo nld.com.vn

HCM CITY — The HCM City People's Committee has instructed relevant agencies to keep a close watch over the sales of COVID-19 treatment drugs.

It has tasked the Departments of Health and Information and Communications and others to disseminate relevant laws and the Ministry of Health’s latest guidelines on the use and sales of the drugs.

It said authorised units should keep watch over prices and crack down on speculation and hoarding of the drugs and price hikes to take advantage of possible shortages.

The Drug, Cosmetics and Food Quality Control Centre has been instructed to routinely collect and test samples to quickly detect poor-quality drugs and those with unknown origins.

Health department inspectors have been ordered to strengthen inspections to prevent distribution of drugs of unknown origin and fakes.

Relevant authorities have also instructed to promptly detect and handle violations related to the sale of rapid test kits.

The People’s Committee has required drug importers, traders and pharmacies to clearly instruct people on how to use the drugs and comply fully with all regulations.

The Department of Health has called on relevant agencies and units to strengthen inspections to prevent unauthorised selling of COVID anti-viral drugs, especially on social media.

The pandemic situation in the city remains complicated, and so demand for drugs is high.

It also requires all health district sub-departments and the Drug, Cosmetics and Food Quality Control Centre to enhance oversight of the use and sales of the drugs. — VNS