Vietnam must produce own Covid vaccines, drugs: PM

In a meeting regarding importing and producing domestic Covid-19 vaccines and drugs, Chinh said vaccines play a decisive role in preventing the coronavirus, and that the development of vaccines and drugs would help boost Vietnam's medical capabilities and bolster the country's pharmaceutical sector.

It is the state and the Party's stance that Vietnam must be able to produce domestic Covid-19 vaccines and drugs to stay active in the coronavirus fight and save money for the national budget, he said.

Products must remain safe, and there must be no place for corruption, group interests or unfair competition, he stressed.

The Ministry of Health would complete necessary mechanisms to boost production of domestic vaccines and drugs, added Chinh.

Vietnam has so far approved nine types of Covid-19 vaccines from various countries. It is also developing its own domestic vaccine candidates, including Nanocovax and Covivac.

The country is using several antiviral drugs for Covid-19 treatment like molnupiravir, remdesivir or favipiravir.

Vietnam has vaccinated 69.3 million people with at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot. A total 48.4 million people have received two shots.