Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung August 21 asked the Ministry of Health to investigate the recent increase in the price of drugs in Ho Chi Minh City, then report the situation before September 5 and asked the prices be stabilized.

According to Sai Gon Giai Phong, the cost of various drugs in Ho Chi Minh City has increased recently due to the to foreign exchange rate of US dollar, the increased price of materials and patients having to bear pharmacies increasing prices.

Many pharmacies increased the price of drugs themselves and caused hardship for patients and members of their families.

Earlier, the Drug Administration announced measures to stabilize medicine prices in 2009 and pledged to ensure sufficient supply of medicines. It also said strict action would be taken against those violating listed medicine prices.

By T.Ngoc - Translated by Son Ha
From SGGP Online