Medlink is one of the most prominent representatives of the rapidly evolving wave of digital health startups in Vietnam. Founded in early 2018, Medlink was established with the mission of optimizing the pharmaceutical distribution chain through digital technology, aiming to address one of the industry’s biggest bottlenecks: excessively high intermediary costs. In a context where distribution expenses account for nearly 35% of pharmaceutical companies’ profits in Vietnam—equivalent to approximately USD 1.6 billion annually—Medlink‘s platform has demonstrated real value by directly connecting drug manufacturers with pharmacies, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and reducing operational costs across the entire supply chain.
From a technological standpoint, Medlink leverages cloud computing platforms integrated with artificial intelligence to build a comprehensive pharmaceutical distribution ecosystem. Drug manufacturers can manage their product portfolios, sales teams, and customer systems through an online dashboard. Meanwhile, pharmacies use the Medlink mobile application to place orders, check inventory, track deliveries, and access personalized promotional programs. Real-time data processing enables the manufacturers’ sales teams to improve performance, personalize customer care, and optimize their market approach strategies.
Compared to traditional distribution models that rely on intermediaries or general distributors, Medlink‘s model stands out for its transparency, data control, and responsiveness to market demands. Its uniqueness lies not only in its digital infrastructure but also in the synchronization of the three key components of the pharmaceutical supply chain: manufacturers, pharmacies, and sales teams. Instead of depending on fragmented third-party data, pharmaceutical companies can now actively monitor sales performance and product consumption by region, allowing for optimized distribution and marketing planning.
In its very first year, Medlink was selected among the Top 10 at TECHFEST Vietnam 2018 and went on to rank in the Top 3 nationwide. This achievement not only validated the appeal of its business model but also opened up access to extensive support resources. In 2019, Medlink won first prize at the international startup competition VietChallenge held in the United States, earning a $25,000 cash prize and attracting attention from international investors. That same year, the startup secured partnerships with six major pharmaceutical companies and over 1,500 pharmacies nationwide, establishing a strong foundation for scaling up.
Medlink’s growth has also been bolstered by Vietnam’s digital healthcare transformation, with support programs from the Ministry of Health and organizations such as NIC, BSSC, and KisStartup. The integration of features like e-prescriptions, personal health records, and telehealth platforms is the next step envisioned by the founding team, aiming to develop a holistic solution for community pharmaceutical care. These efforts show that Medlink is not only focused on solving distribution challenges but also aspires to build a sustainable digital pharmaceutical ecosystem.
As Vietnam’s pharmaceutical market continues to experience robust growth, accompanied by an increasing demand for transparency, traceability, and data management, Medlink is well-positioned to expand across Southeast Asia. With a proven business model, a solid tech team, and backing from international accelerators and investors, this startup has the potential to become a core digital infrastructure for the healthcare sector in the near future.
