Vietnam to Stop Operation of Indian Pharma Firm for Violations

The Drug Administration of Vietnam under the Ministry of Heath will no longer allow India-based XL Laboratories Pvt. Ltd to operate in the country due to its violations, state media reported.On Sept 13, 2012, the administration received a dossier from the Indian drugmaker to seek approval to trade pharmaceuticals and raw materials in Vietnam. However, its products have been found violating the quality rules during the six-month period of temporary license.The firm has been asked to notify concerned agencies and Vietnamese partners to implement the regulations.India is one of the largest exporters of pharmaceutical products to Vietnam. Major Indian pharmaceutical firms, such as Torrent, Zydus Cadila, Glenmark and Panacea Biotech, have also set up offices to promote their products in Vietnam. It is estimated that Vietnam has to spend more than $1 billion annually on pharmaceutical imports, mainly from France, India, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, Germany and other countries. (Lao Dong – Labor Jan 25, An Ninh Thu Do – Capital Security Jan 25, Kinh Te & Do Thi –Economy & Urban Jan 25)