Mediciations

Drugs are generally available over the counter. If a 'prescription' is written by a doctor it is more to ensure the pharmacist understands what is required as opposed to being a legal document authorising the drugs to be issued.

The best prices and the freshest supplies of drugs are to be obtained from  pharmacies in the immediate vicinity of any hospital.

Drugs available in VietNam are determined by the Ministry of Health who also have a national purchasing program that effectively reduces the prices of drugs compared to other countries.

You will find the type of drugs displayed in overseas drug stores, chemists or pharmacies such as cold medicines, creams, etc. are not available widely over here.

Some supermarkets carry 'off the shelf' items - Co-op does, I know. Their selections are some what eclectic and there is usually no one who can help you.

As the VN government has it's own formulary (menu) where a doctor wants to order a 'name' drug the pharmacist will refer to the book and issue a cocktail of pills which, when combined, have the same content as the name brand. This saves the government a great deal of money.

You said you wanted Pepto Bismal. This is the type of product you will hind hard to source. BUT relief is at hand! The Vietnamese have a lot of problems with food related illnesses such as dodgy quality, hygiene, etc.

They use a commonly available drink called (phonetically) Rau Mau. Many people drink it daily. It is made from chopped up leaves, mixed in water, with a little ice. Tastes great! Often available in street side drink vendors, in restaurants and you can buy the leaves  and D-I-Y.

For example, the Nhu Lan Restaurant on Ham Nghi, opposite the Bitexco Financial Tower, has three drink dispenser machines for orange, soy juice and Rau Mau. It's safe, I drink it myself.

Caution: Don't buy your drugs from SOS and other Western doctors as they rip you off. They can only sell what a VN drug store can but they charge you BIG MONEY for the music, the pleasant surroundings and the packaging.

Many VN doctors speak at least a little English. Their charge for consultation is $5 and they know much of what Western doctors do. Any pharmacy will give you an introduction.

VN doctors are good for minor ailments and VN diseases. Since they don't have nice waiting rooms with TV and coffee they can usually charge at least $70 less than SOS or International.

I will Message you with a link for all the Western trained doctors in HCMC.

Thank you for the information. I at least know what to do and where to go now.
Patrick

So if you need medications say for mild depression where is the best place to go to find a english speaking doc to give the precrip and where to get it filled?   I would be living near district 1 or 2 I think.

Jaitch wrote:

Rau Mau

I think it is more commonly known as Rau Ma, or at least in the southern parts of Vietnam.  I too love this drink.

I think I saw Pepto Bismol at the Western Food store in Disctrict 1. They also had Nyquil.