191. Chuc N.T.K. and G. Tomson (1999), ‘Doi Moi’ and Private Pharmacies: A Case Study on Dispensing and Financing Issues in Hanoi, Vietnam’, European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 55:325-332.

Vietnam, a developing country, has had comparatively good health and human survival at low cost. The economic reform changed the health care system, and private pharmacies during the last 5 years have taken over a majority of the drug distribution. Problems include weaknesses in drug regulation and reported increases in antibiotic resistance. This case study, a purposive sample of two private pharmacies in Hanoi, explored management, including dispensing, inventory and financing, using the concept of triangulation. Observations and interviews of customers were complemented by stock inventory and interviews of the pharmacy staff. Drugs were classified according to the ATC code and the essential drug list of Vietnam.  This study shows an unexpectedly high proportion of customers, being "Tu Lam Bac Sy" (their own doctors) deciding themselves which drugs to buy. Although the "Doi moi" renovation has led to much improved drug availability, at least in urban setting, this case study highlights major problems in need of urgent actions. In particular the prevailing practices regarding antibiotics and combination drugs need to be seriously scrutinized and drug regulatory mechanisms should be enforced.