Vietnam to tackle growing antibiotic overuse
The growing abuse of antibiotics is causing a resistance to the drug, the Ministry of Health has warned.
The growing abuse of antibiotics is causing a resistance to the drug, the Ministry of Health has warned.
The ministry established last week a special unit to study the problem and would soon propose solutions, said Luong Ngoc Khue, head of the ministry's Medical Examination and Treatment Department, who leads the unit.
The widespread sale of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription was blamed for the increasing resistance to the drug in Vietnam, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thi Xuyen said.
"New strains of virus have been found that resist many types of antibiotics, including new generations of antibiotics," Xuyen said.
Many Vietnamese buy antibiotics over-the-counter and overuse them for minor illnesses.
"I often go to the nearest drug store to pick up antibiotics when my children or I have a cough," said Le Thi Bien, 47, a housewife in Long Bien district in Hanoi. "I don't think I need to visit a doctor for examination and take a prescription for treatment if it's only a cough."
A survey by the ministry conducted in 3,000 drug stores in the north region in 2010 found that 88 percent of antibiotics were sold without prescription. The survey also said that the three best selling antibiotics were Amoxicillin, Cephalexin and Azithromycin.
The World Health Organisation said in April that antimicrobial resistance was a major problem in South East Asia and that infections were a particular concern. The WHO said the main cause of resistance appeared to be inappropriate use of antimicrobial medicines, due to both their over-the-counter availability and the poor compliance of standards by health care workers.
A pharmacist in Hanoi's Long Bien district said she usually asked customers about prescriptions before selling antibiotics to them, but most of them didn't have one.
Previously, the ministry set up a committee for drug-resistance prevention in 2013.-VNA
The ministry established last week a special unit to study the problem and would soon propose solutions, said Luong Ngoc Khue, head of the ministry's Medical Examination and Treatment Department, who leads the unit.
The widespread sale of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription was blamed for the increasing resistance to the drug in Vietnam, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thi Xuyen said.
"New strains of virus have been found that resist many types of antibiotics, including new generations of antibiotics," Xuyen said.
Many Vietnamese buy antibiotics over-the-counter and overuse them for minor illnesses.
"I often go to the nearest drug store to pick up antibiotics when my children or I have a cough," said Le Thi Bien, 47, a housewife in Long Bien district in Hanoi. "I don't think I need to visit a doctor for examination and take a prescription for treatment if it's only a cough."
A survey by the ministry conducted in 3,000 drug stores in the north region in 2010 found that 88 percent of antibiotics were sold without prescription. The survey also said that the three best selling antibiotics were Amoxicillin, Cephalexin and Azithromycin.
The World Health Organisation said in April that antimicrobial resistance was a major problem in South East Asia and that infections were a particular concern. The WHO said the main cause of resistance appeared to be inappropriate use of antimicrobial medicines, due to both their over-the-counter availability and the poor compliance of standards by health care workers.
A pharmacist in Hanoi's Long Bien district said she usually asked customers about prescriptions before selling antibiotics to them, but most of them didn't have one.
Previously, the ministry set up a committee for drug-resistance prevention in 2013.-VNA
You should also see
InfographicCommemoration of Hung Kings - Gathering the spirit of patriotism
The Commemoration of the Hung Kings and the Hung Kings Temple Festival are among the most important festivals of the year for Vietnamese people. The worship of the Hung Kings is not only part of the cultural identity of the Vietnamese community but has also transcended national boundaries to become an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
See more
Health
First southern pediatric organ transplant centre to become operational in 2025
The first pediatric organ transplant centre in Vietnam’s southern region is scheduled to be completed and put into operation on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - 2025).
Health
Free surgeries offered for cleft palate children in Thua Thien-Hue
About 80 children with cleft palate in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue and surrounding localities are to receive free check-ups and surgeries from now until April 18.
Health
Vietnam to host first int’l airway management conference
International airway experts from across the world, including the United Kingdom, United States of America, France, Italy, New Zealand, and experts from Vietnam will gather at the first South East Asian Conference of the World Alliance of Airway Management (WAAM) in Hanoi on April 13-14.
Health
Health insurance coverage necessary for all TB patients: Deputy PM
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on April 8 requested the Ministry of Health to work with the Vietnam Social Security and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to provide health insurance coverage for all tuberculosis (TB) patients.
Health
Blood donation – journey of love sharing
April 7 was designated as the “All People’s Voluntary Blood Donation Day” 24 years ago and, ever since, the blood donation movement has attracted the participation of tens of thousands of people across the country.
