Medical examination and treatment, or healthcare services in general, involve activities that directly or indirectly affect human health. The regulations on the provision of medical examination and treatment services are summarized by NPLaw in the following article.
I. What is the provision of medical examination and treatment services?
Medical examination refers to the process of interviewing patients, taking medical histories, conducting physical examinations, and, when necessary, prescribing paraclinical tests and functional explorations to diagnose and determine an appropriate and recognized method of treatment.
Medical treatment refers to the use of recognized professional and technical methods and legally approved medicines to provide emergency aid, treatment, care, and functional rehabilitation for patients.
1. Scope of the provision of medical examination and treatment services
The provision of medical examination and treatment services includes performing activities such as interviewing patients, collecting medical histories, conducting physical examinations, prescribing tests or functional investigations when necessary to establish a diagnosis, and determining the appropriate, officially recognized method of treatment; using professional techniques and legally approved pharmaceuticals for emergency aid, treatment, care, and rehabilitation of patients.
II. Current situation of providing medical examination and treatment services
In recent times, despite numerous difficulties, all officials and employees of the health sector nationwide have made great efforts, serving as the core force in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to provide medical examination and treatment for the people. With the involvement of the entire political system and society, Vietnam has fundamentally controlled the COVID-19 pandemic, laying the foundation for the recovery and development of the economy and society.
1. Industry codes for medical examination and treatment services
According to Decision No. 27/2018/QĐ-TTg dated July 6, 2018, of the Prime Minister on the system of economic sectors, the relevant industry codes include:
- 86201: Activities of general and specialized medical clinics;
- 86202: Activities of dental clinics.
2. Examples of types of medical examination and treatment services
Examples include village and commune health workers, mobile medical teams, communal health stations, and regional general clinics (e.g., physicians, midwives, disease prevention teams, etc.); local health departments, preventive medicine centers, district and provincial hospitals, municipal and regional hospitals, large general hospitals, as well as supporting services such as laboratories, radiology departments, and pharmacies.
III. Conditions for providing medical examination and treatment services
Pursuant to Article 18 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2009, the conditions for granting a practicing certificate to a Vietnamese citizen include possessing one of the following qualifications or certificates suitable to the form of medical practice:
- A professional qualification related to medicine issued or recognized in Vietnam;
- A certificate of traditional medicine practitioner;
- A certificate of a person possessing a traditional remedy or traditional method of treatment.
IV. Regulations on the provision of medical examination and treatment services
Conditions for the provision of medical examination and treatment services are specifically provided under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2009.
V. Requirements for the provision of medical examination and treatment services
- For practitioners: They must obtain a practicing certificate in accordance with the law.
- For medical establishments:
- Must have an establishment decision issued by a competent state authority if state-owned, or a business registration certificate or investment license as prescribed by law if otherwise.
- Must obtain an operating license granted by the Minister of Health, the Minister of National Defence, or the Director of the Department of Health in accordance with Article 42 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2009.
VI. Legal documents required for providing medical examination and treatment services
Pursuant to Article 18 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2009, the legal documents required for providing medical services include:
- A professional qualification related to medicine issued or recognized in Vietnam;
- A certificate of traditional medicine practitioner;
- A certificate of a person possessing a traditional remedy or traditional method of treatment.
VII. Common difficulties in the provision of medical examination and treatment services
Despite notable achievements, the institutional and policy framework for the healthcare sector remains inadequate. Primary healthcare, preventive medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, and medical equipment sectors have yet to meet practical demands. Remuneration and incentive policies for medical staff are still insufficient, and many health workers continue to face financial hardship.
The shortage of medicines, equipment, medical supplies, and biological products persists in certain hospitals and localities. Furthermore, the disbursement of public investment in healthcare remains slow. The continued complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic has also posed significant challenges for the health sector and the political system as a whole.
The foregoing provides essential and fundamental information on the provision of medical examination and treatment services. Should readers require clarification on procedures or legal consultation regarding matters related to the provision of healthcare services, please contact the NPLaw team for further assistance in protecting your lawful rights and interests.
