Prime Minister Le Minh Hung announced a strong overhaul of the pharmaceutical and petroleum distribution systems to ensure quality and pricing for the benefit of workers.

On June 5, the 14th Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union for the 2026-2031 term held an exchange and discussion session between Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and delegates on the theme: “The Vietnam Trade Union accompanies the nation in improving labor productivity and achieving double-digit growth targets.”

Calling for better management of medicines and combating counterfeit drugs

During the session, Ms. Tran Thi Chi, Chairwoman of the Trade Union at New Wing Interconnect Technology Co., Ltd. (Bac Ninh), expressed that health is a precious asset for workers. However, workers face many occupational diseases, and the rate of regular health check-ups remains low.

In some places, periodic health examinations are difficult to control, and workers are experiencing stress.

Therefore, Ms. Chi proposed that the government strengthen food safety control, especially around industrial parks, to ensure workers’ health and daily meals. She also called for stricter management of medicines and health-related functional foods, as well as efforts to prevent counterfeit drugs.

She also suggested that the government develop health care and mental health counseling programs within industrial parks. She proposed increasing the number of paid prenatal check-ups from five to nine per pregnancy for female workers.

Additionally, she recommended encouraging mid-work exercise programs to reduce fatigue and boost worker morale, and reducing the workweek to 44 hours.

Prime Minister - Image 2.

Strict handling of counterfeit drug, food, and cosmetic cases

Responding to the proposals, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stated that the Ministry of Health would be assigned as the lead agency for state management of food safety, medicines, and functional foods.

Regarding the quality and pricing of medicines, the government has instructed the Ministry of Health to urgently submit a plan to reform the drug distribution system, focusing on reducing intermediaries so that citizens and workers can access medicines at reasonable prices with guaranteed quality.

“We will strongly reform the drug distribution system as well as the petroleum distribution system in the coming time to ensure quality and pricing. This is a priority because it directly impacts the interests of workers,” the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, Dao Hong Lan shared that the Party and State have focused on issuing and implementing many mechanisms and policies to enhance workers’ health, thereby contributing to ensuring the quality of human resources, improving labor productivity, and promoting socio-economic development.

According to Ms. Lan, the Ministry of Health is finalizing the Law on Food Safety to address existing issues and obstacles, while coordinating with local authorities to strengthen quality control of food safety in collective kitchens and street food.

Regarding counterfeit drugs and food, the Ministry of Health has established a coordination program. Many cases involving counterfeit drugs, food, and cosmetics have been detected and strictly handled.

Prime Minister - Image 3.
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan

Regarding Resolution No. 72 of the Politburo on periodic health

New Wing Interconnect Technology Co., Ltd.

New Wing Interconnect Technology Co., Ltd. is a Chinese company specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-precision connectors and interconnect solutions, primarily serving the automotive, telecommunications, and industrial electronics sectors. Established in the early 2000s, the company has grown into a key supplier for both domestic and international markets, leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques to support the rapid expansion of China’s electronics industry. Its history reflects the broader development of China’s tech manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on innovation and quality in the competitive global interconnect market.

Bac Ninh

Bac Ninh is a province in northern Vietnam, renowned as the ancient heartland of the Kinh Bac region and the birthplace of Quan Ho folk singing, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Historically, it was a major cultural and political center during the Ly Dynasty, home to the famous Do Temple and the Phat Tich Pagoda, one of the country’s oldest Buddhist sites. Today, Bac Ninh is celebrated for its vibrant traditional festivals, craft villages, and its role in preserving Vietnam’s unique cultural identity.

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health is a government body responsible for overseeing public health policy, healthcare services, and disease prevention in many countries. Its history often traces back to the establishment of early public health boards or sanitary commissions in the 19th or 20th centuries, evolving to address modern challenges like pandemics and universal healthcare. The specific role and structure vary by nation, but it remains a crucial institution for safeguarding population health and managing health crises.

Law on Food Safety

The “Law on Food Safety” is a foundational legal framework in many countries, designed to regulate the production, handling, and distribution of food to protect public health. Its modern history often traces back to early 20th-century reforms, such as the U.S. Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, which emerged in response to dangerous adulteration practices. Today, these laws establish standards for hygiene, labeling, and traceability, evolving continuously to address new risks like allergens and foodborne illnesses.