Five Decades of Resilience and the Will to ‘Turn Soil into Roads’
The story of Vietnam’s leading pharmaceutical company began in the depths of the U Minh Ha forest, where a group of Southwestern pharmacists braved bullets and bombs to provide medicine to soldiers and remote villagers.
Between 1988 and 1992, as the country transitioned away from a subsidized economy, this trailblazing team embodied the hospitable spirit of the Southwest, forging paths to deliver their products nationwide. Their resilience shone brightest during the 1997 crisis when the entire workforce pulled all-nighters for 60 days to implement GMP-ASEAN standards, making DHG Pharma the first in the industry to achieve this milestone.
The company has a history of innovation, breaking free from industry norms. They introduced the first non-bitter antibiotic packets and sweet orange-flavored fever medication in 2004, revolutionizing how children experience medicine. They also developed stroke prevention solutions inspired by ancient Japanese traditions, a first in the Vietnamese market.
In 2016, DHG Pharma expanded its horizons by partnering with Japan’s Taisho Group, adding four JAPAN-GMP certified production lines and achieving EU-GMP standards for its Non-Betalactam and Betalactam facilities. This ensures that all Vietnamese, whether in urban or rural areas, have access to internationally-recognized, “made in Vietnam” medicines.
“Our continuous pursuit of challenges has solidified our position as the nation’s leading pharmaceutical company and propelled us onto the global stage,” says Toshiyuki Ishii, CEO of DHG Pharma. “But our proudest achievement is putting the health and well-being of our consumers at the heart of every innovation. Each employee takes pride in knowing that they are part of a 50-year journey dedicated to improving the health of the Vietnamese people.”
Walking Alongside Employees and Valuing Customers
Despite embracing a global mindset, DHG Pharma remains rooted in its Southwestern heritage, cherishing the region’s proud culture, generous spirit, and strong values. Over the last 50 years, the company has cultivated a “happy working environment,” incentivizing employees with competitive salaries, bonuses, and comprehensive welfare policies that extend to their families and loved ones.
Engaging, appreciating, and listening to partners, pharmacies, pharmacists, and distributors
Annually, the company recognizes and rewards outstanding individuals and teams who have excelled in labor and creative endeavors. Understanding the concerns of its workforce, DHG Pharma provides childcare services, organizes summer programs and Mid-Autumn Festivals, and honors employees’ children with excellent academic achievements. The company also offers health care packages for employees’ spouses and children and expresses gratitude to their parents during the Vu Lan festival.
“As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2024, a milestone few Vietnamese businesses have reached, we are planning a special program to visit and honor our current and retired employees,” Mr. Ishii shared. “This underscores our unwavering focus on our people, who are our most valuable asset and the guardians of DHG Pharma’s enduring legacy.”
Preserving Humanist Values and Community Contribution
Over the last five decades, some things have remained constant: the warm bond between the company and its people, even as the digital age transformed the world. The humanist values that guided the company from its inception continue to inspire each generation, shaping DHG Pharma into a model corporate citizen.
Half a century of pursuing the mission “For a healthier and more beautiful life”
In August, the company returned to its birthplace in Kênh Năm Đất Sét, deep in the U Minh forest, to pay homage to its pioneers and reinforce its commitment to preserving its corporate culture. Joining forces with over 40 doctors from Ho Chi Minh City, DHG Pharma provided free medicine to 1,000 underprivileged locals with limited access to healthcare. Even as they expanded globally, they never forgot their roots, making annual pilgrimages to this nurturing land.
In 2024 alone, the company conducted 24 free medical examination and medicine distribution trips to remote areas and other extremities of the country. Following the recent Yagi storm, they provided 10,000 family medicine bags to the four most affected provinces in the north.
Leveraging their expertise, DHG Pharma also hosts health care seminars for the community on diverse topics. This year, they organized 100 seminars for 10,000 pharmacies and 20 seminars for over 10,000 consumers to raise awareness about stroke prevention.
“DHG Pharma’s journey has no destination; it is an endless pursuit of aspirations and efforts to conquer new frontiers.”
“The current generation is proud to be the heir to DHG Pharma’s legacy,” expressed Mr. Ishii. “We carry the torch of not only business excellence but also the cultural heritage and tradition of standing by our employees, customers, and community. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the Vietnamese people.”
“DHG Pharma: 5 Decades of Pride, Gratitude and Aspiration”
On August 31st, DHG Pharma, a leading pharmaceutical company in Can Tho, organized its annual traditional walk alongside a celebration of its 50th anniversary. The theme, “50 Years of Unceasing Aspirations,” commemorated the proud journey of DHG Pharma’s generations through the decades.
A Legacy of Healing: DHG Pharma’s 50-Year Journey and the Next Chapter
For 50 years, DHG Pharma has never forgotten its roots. The journey back to Kênh Năm Đất Sét in Cà Mau, where the company provided medical check-ups and medicine to the local community, was a meaningful way for DHG Pharma to express its gratitude to the heroic land that has nurtured and written the history of Vietnam’s leading domestic pharmaceutical company today.
