Ngành dược và triển vọng phát triển mới cho kinh tế Việt Nam - Katharina Geppert, MSD Vietnam

Key Concepts:

• Pharmaceutical Market in Vietnam
• MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) Vietnam: History, Operations, and Contributions
• Healthcare Industry Trends in Vietnam: Government Initiatives, Private Sector Involvement, Aging Population
• Vaccination and Preventative Healthcare: HPV Vaccine, Pneumococcal Vaccine
• Access to Innovative Medicines and Reimbursement Challenges
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
• Leadership Style Adaptation in Vietnam
• 30th Anniversary of MSD in Vietnam

1. Introduction to MSD Vietnam and Katarina (Reena):

• Katarina, known as Reena in Vietnam, is the Managing Director of MSD Vietnam.
• She has been in Vietnam for over four years and has "fallen in love" with the country.
• MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) is a research-intensive biopharmaceutical company with over 130 years of experience.
• MSD is committed to advancing the prevention and treatment of diseases in both people and animals.
• The company has nearly 400 employees in Vietnam and is growing rapidly.

2. Katarina's First Year at MSD Vietnam: Accomplishments and Reflections:

• The team's dedication and commitment were highlighted.
• New life-saving drugs were introduced to the Vietnamese market.
• Partnership with the Ministry of Health was strengthened.
• MSD Vietnam was recognized as one of the best workplaces in Asia for the second consecutive year.

3. Leadership Style Adaptation in Vietnam:

• Katarina's leadership style has evolved from a more controlling approach to a purpose-driven one.
• She emphasizes trusting the local team, listening, and engaging in conversations to find solutions.
• She acknowledges the dynamic nature of Vietnam and the need to adjust plans frequently.
• She references Erin Meyer's "Culture Map" and the concept of flexible vs. linear time commitment.
• Building cultural empathy and adapting to local norms are crucial for effective leadership.

4. Motivation and Impact:

• Katarina is motivated by the communal sense and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the health of Vietnamese people.
• She aims to "leave something behind" and contribute positively to the country's growth.

5. Predictions for the Pharmaceutical Sector in Vietnam:

• Vietnam is considered one of the most promising pharmaceutical markets in Southeast Asia, with an $8.3 billion market value.
• The market is expected to grow at roughly 7% from 2024 to 2028, in line with economic growth.
• The government is actively pushing the health agenda, focusing on faster access to innovative medicines and prevention of non-communicable diseases.
• The government is also providing free health checks for all.
• Implementation of these changes may be challenging and time-consuming.
• Recent changes allowing access to healthcare facilities regardless of origin promote health equity.

6. Challenges and Opportunities in the Healthcare Sector:

• Vietnam's population is aging rapidly, with over 70% lacking pension funds.
• Life expectancy is high, but a significant portion of those years are spent in ill health (14 years).
• The government is shifting towards preventative healthcare.
• The private sector, particularly from Singapore and other Asian countries, is investing in private hospitals to fill the gap in healthcare infrastructure.

7. MSD's Focus Areas in Vietnam:

• MSD focuses on providing leading-edge science to save and improve lives worldwide.
• Preventative portfolio, mainly vaccines, is a key area.
• Working closely with the government to increase awareness and vaccination rates, particularly for HPV.
• Launching the pneumococcal vaccine to combat lung disease, a leading cause of death in Vietnam.

8. HPV Awareness Campaign:

• Partnership with the Ministry of Health to increase awareness and vaccination rates for HPV.
• Targeting young women and men with clear, simple messages in digital formats.
• Offline activations, such as exhibitions on walking streets, to engage the audience.
• Collaboration with the Ministry of Health to align messages and develop action plans.
• Objective: To achieve a Vietnam free of the burden of HPV.

9. Access to Innovative Medicines and Reimbursement:

• MSD brought the first immunotherapy for cancer to Vietnam in 2017.
• Challenges exist in access to innovative medicines and reimbursement, with approval taking 3-4 years and reimbursement up to 8 years.
• Collaboration with the Bright Future Fund to enable patient access programs and provide affordable pricing based on patients' ability to pay.
• MSD's oncology product covers 27 indications and 13 tumor types.
• Hopes for government support in making medicines more affordable through reimbursement.

10. Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability:

• MSD is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint.
• Initiatives include reducing printing, promoting less plastic use, and using green buildings with LEED certification.
• Employees participate in cleanup initiatives and other activities with local NGOs.
• MSD has donated over 300 units of blood since 2022 through frequent blood drives.
• Employees are encouraged to volunteer for 40 hours per year, fully paid.

11. 30th Anniversary of MSD in Vietnam:

• The 30th anniversary is next year and is being planned.
• It's a testament to MSD's legacy and a reaffirmation of its commitment to Vietnam.
• MSD aims to utilize this milestone to engage in more dialogue with stakeholders and policymakers.
• High employee retention rate, with many employees having been with MSD for a long time.

12. Conclusion:

• MSD Vietnam is a significant player in the Vietnamese pharmaceutical market, focusing on preventative healthcare, access to innovative medicines, and corporate social responsibility.
• The company is committed to contributing to the health and well-being of the Vietnamese people and the sustainable development of the country.
• Katarina's leadership emphasizes adaptation, collaboration, and a purpose-driven approach to achieve MSD's goals in Vietnam.