THE IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PRINCIPLES FOR GOOD DISTRIBUTION PRACTICE: A SURVEY ON PHARMACEUTICAL DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

Abstract

Objective: Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has issued a circular on good practice distribution (GDP)
to ensure the quality of drug dispensation from manufacturers to consumers. However, the
Department of Health in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) faces many challenges and difficulties in adhering
to the mandate. Motivated by this problem, this study administered a survey to drug distribution
companies in HCMC to determine the manner by which they implement and maintain GDP.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in June 2017 and involved 192 drug
distribution companies located in the study site. The survey was intended to identify common
violations that the companies commit in the process of applying and maintaining GDP
requirements.
Results: Amongst the companies, 19 (10% of the sample) did not have pharmacists in charge of
drug distribution or employed ones that do not have the required professional qualifications, 54
(28%) did not satisfy requirements on storage volume and warehouse capacity and 23 (12%)
imposed unsatisfactory limits on warehouse temperature. Most of the surveyed companies (157)
conformed to appropriate transportation conditions.
Conclusion: The surveyed companies underperformed with respect to GDP-related requirements
regarding human resources, warehouse (storage) facilities and vehicular capacity, but they
exhibited relatively satisfactory documentation and recording practices.