Ponder for a moment. Could this be where future pharmacists are made? This is the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Ho Chi Minh City Medicine and Pharmacy University. It stands as a beacon of pharmaceutical education in Vietnam.
The Faculty of Pharmacy is part of a larger institution. The Ho Chi Minh City Medicine and Pharmacy University is highly ranked. It offers both graduate and postgraduate programs. These programs focus on medicine and pharmacy.
The university’s story began as a medical school. It was part of the University of Saigon. The French colonists established it in 1947. This was during the time of French Indochina. Professor C. Massias was the first principal. The original location was on Testard Street, now Vo Van Tan Street.
In 1961, the school split. It became Saigon College of Medicine and Saigon College of Pharmacy. Three years later, Saigon College of Dentistry was founded. This new college branched off from the medical school.
After the Vietnam War in 1976, things changed again. The three schools merged. The Communist Party of Vietnam renamed them. The new name was Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The first headquarters had limited space. It included offices, a library, a lecture room and three houses for study.
Early practice areas were scattered around the city. The Pasteur Institute was used for studying microorganisms. The Human Body Institute focused on anatomy. Saigon Hospital hosted chemistry studies. The Human Body Institute was key. It aided learning in histology, physiology, pathology and anatomy. Until 1961, medicine and pharmacy students studied together. Then the Faculty of Pharmacy moved to Nam Ki Khoi Nghia Street.
In 1966, a significant move occurred. The school relocated to the Medicine Learning Center on Hong Bang Street. This modern facility became the new educational venue. It included a main auditorium seating 500. There were also three smaller auditoriums with 300 seats each. A library and laboratories completed the center.
In 1990, the university expanded. Four new faculties and a hospital were added. The Faculty of Fundamental Sciences was established in 1994. In 1998, came the Faculty of Traditional Medicine and the Faculty of Medical Technology and Rehabilitation. The Faculty of Public Health followed in 1999. Finally, in 2000, the University Medical Center opened.
Today, the Faculty of Pharmacy continues its mission. It educates future generations of pharmacists. It is a vital part of Vietnam’s healthcare system. The dedication to education remains strong. The university’s history reflects resilience and growth. It stands as a testament to Vietnam’s commitment to medical excellence. Its impact echoes far beyond these walls.