On June 14, the Danang Department of Health requested that Central Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company 3 report on the entire process of recalling and destroying CetecoCenzitax (Cinnarizin 25 mg) medication, following the discovery of a large quantity of the drug discarded at an unofficial dumpsite.
In a report sent to the Department of Health, Mr. Truong Thoai Nhan, CEO of Central Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company 3, confirmed that the medication and plastic bottles found abandoned on the sidewalk of Xuan Thieu 21 Street (Lien Chieu District, Danang) on June 10 belonged to their company.
Headquarters of Central Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company 3 in Hai Chau District, Danang
CetecoCenzitax medication was produced in 2023 and had an expiration date of 2026. It belonged to a batch that had been recalled by the Drug Administration.
According to the company, on August 22, 2024, the aforementioned medication was collected, placed in specialized bags, and temporarily stored in an area designated for waste disposal. On May 23, the company initiated the process of transferring the medication to an environmental unit for proper disposal as per regulations. As per procedure, the company was required to sign a destruction contract with a specialized waste disposal unit and oversee the destruction process.
Medication from Central Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company 3 found at the roadside dumpsite
However, despite having signed waste disposal contracts with two specialized units (Vietnam Environment Joint Stock Company and Danang Urban Environment Joint Stock Company), the Human Resources Department was unable to establish contact with these companies. Instead, they coordinated with a private unit to transport the medication to the Khanh Son dumpsite for destruction.
The company acknowledged that the Drug Destruction Council failed to adequately supervise the destruction process at the Khanh Son dumpsite, leading to this incident.
Central Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company 3 took responsibility for the mistake in management and for not adhering to the approved procedure by failing to sign a contract with a specialized unit.
Mr. Truong Thoai Nhan stated that the company had convened an emergency meeting of the Drug Destruction Council and relevant departments to review and identify the responsibilities of individuals and collectives involved. “We apologize and commit to thoroughly reviewing our drug destruction process and overall management,” emphasized Mr. Nhan.
