From Startup to Industry Disruptor: The Story of Medlink
Medlink is a Vietnamese healthtech startup founded in early 2018 with a bold mission: to disrupt the traditional pharmaceutical distribution model and build a more efficient, transparent, and tech-enabled healthcare supply chain.
In a market where distribution costs account for nearly 35% of pharmaceutical companies’ profits—equaling approximately $1.6 billion annually—Medlink offers a game-changing solution. Through its digital platform, Medlink connects pharmaceutical manufacturers directly with pharmacies, bypassing costly intermediaries and creating new efficiencies for all stakeholders.
How Medlink Works: A Tech-Driven Sales and Distribution Platform
Medlink leverages cloud computing and artificial intelligence to provide a comprehensive ecosystem for the pharmaceutical sector:
Manufacturers can manage sales teams, product portfolios, and customer relationships through an intuitive online dashboard.
Pharmacies can place orders directly via the Medlink mobile app, monitor product availability, track delivery, and engage in personalized promotions.
Sales teams gain access to real-time data, improving field performance and customer engagement.
By streamlining the entire order-to-delivery process, Medlink helps reduce distribution costs, accelerate market access, and increase the availability of essential medications and health products.
Recognized as a Leading Startup in Vietnam’s Innovation Ecosystem
Soon after its founding, Medlink quickly gained recognition within the startup and investment community:
Top 10 at TECHFEST Vietnam 2018.
Top 3 finalist at the same national competition, signaling strong market potential and innovation.
Winner of VietChallenge 2019, an international startup competition organized in the U.S., where Medlink received a $25,000 prize and expanded its international visibility.
These accolades not only reflect Medlink’s innovation capacity but also validate its business model among regional and global investors.
Growth Trajectory and Future Outlook
By September 2018, Medlink had already onboarded six major pharmaceutical companies and over 1,500 pharmacies nationwide. Since then, the platform has continued to expand its network across Vietnam and aims to scale regionally in Southeast Asia.
Medlink is currently exploring opportunities for strategic partnerships, cross-border distribution channels, and integration with e-prescription and digital health platforms to provide end-to-end solutions in pharmaceutical care.
Why Medlink Matters
The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and Medlink is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift in Vietnam. By bridging the gap between manufacturers and retailers, Medlink supports:
Reduced operational costs for pharma companies
Better access to medicines for pharmacies and end consumers
Data-driven insights for more efficient health product distribution
Medlink’s model also aligns with broader healthcare trends, including digitization, decentralization, and personalization of care—making it an increasingly attractive investment target and ecosystem partner.
