This week’s medical newsletter summarizes key updates and directives from the Government and the Ministry of Health, focusing on streamlining administrative procedures for healthcare facilities, humanitarian support policies for children, and ensuring food hygiene and safety in school environments.
Reducing and Simplifying Business Conditions in the Healthcare Sector
The Government has recently introduced new orientations to alleviate difficulties by reducing and simplifying various business conditions in the healthcare sector. Specifically, business conditions related to biosafety in laboratories, vaccination services, and the organization of practical training in the health sector have been abolished. These regulations were previously bound by Decrees No. 103/2016/ND-CP, 104/2016/ND-CP, and 111/2017/ND-CP.
In addition, business conditions for providing opioid addiction treatment services using substitution drugs and HIV counseling and testing services have also been relaxed. The procedures in Decree No. 141/2024/ND-CP and Decree No. 63/2021/ND-CP have been adjusted to streamline the process. This move is a significant step forward in creating favorable conditions for healthcare facilities to operate, minimizing administrative procedures while still ensuring effective state management, and focusing on improving the quality of professional services for the people.
Timely Medical Support for Children in Emergency Cases
In order to maximize the protection of children’s rights, the Government has officially issued Decree 131/2026/ND-CP, detailing the use of funds from the National Fund for Vietnamese Children to provide medical support for minors who are victims. The most prominent feature of this new policy is prioritizing children’s right to emergency medical care.
In reality, there have been many cases where children who are victims of violence and abuse have had to be hospitalized in critical condition. However, the payment of treatment costs often faces an impasse when the perpetrator has not yet provided compensation, has fled, or is economically disadvantaged. The introduction of Decree 131/2026/ND-CP is a profoundly humane solution that fills this gap, ensuring that no child is delayed in accessing essential emergency services due to any financial barriers.
Directive on Timely Handling of Suspected Food Poisoning Cases at School
Regarding food hygiene and safety, the Ministry of Health has just issued an urgent directive concerning a suspected food poisoning incident at Dang Thuy Tram Primary School, Tan Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. According to a report from the Vietnam Food Administration, from April 25 to 27, hospitals in the area admitted 25 student cases with gastrointestinal disorder symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, with some cases accompanied by fever.
In light of these developments, the Vietnam Food Administration has urgently requested the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety to swiftly direct functional units to implement medical measures. The most central and urgent requirement right now is for the hospitals receiving patients to concentrate maximum resources and equipment for intensive treatment. This aims to absolutely protect the health and lives of the students, preventing any dangerous complications caused by delays in emergency care.
Center for Supporting & Continuing Education