Community Pharmacy in Vietnam

Community Pharmacy in Vietnam is almost exclusively Independently owned. Surprisingly, many of the medicines in the pharmacy say "can toa thuoc bac si" (Prescription Only). However, interestingly enough, I approached the Pharmacist on duty and asked " if I describe my illness, would I be able to acquire the prescription medicine needed"? She quickly responded that "as long as I could convey my symptoms and I clearly understood her directions, that I would be able to purchase the required "prescription" medicine". Once I explained the academic nature of my question, the pharmacist (through student translation of course) described the orientation of her pharmacy. Over-the-Counter medications are in clear sight and/or reach of patients entering her business. Many of the choices are of the natural herbal varieties. (See future blog as we plan on visiting a Natural Herbal Medicinal Garden). The prescription items are arranged behind-the-counter by disease state. (Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Pain, etc....). In addition, each pharmacy stocks only a selected list of prescription medications (Each pharmacy stocks different drugs). The list of currently available medications prominently is displayed on the counter along with prices per tablet or bottle. Above you will see a list with Glucophage 500 mg being 2,000 dong per tablet (10 cents).
An advanced level of practice occurs periodically at a consultation area where the pharmacist can spend more time for thorough explanation of the medication.