In official dispatch No. 3512 sent to commune and ward People’s Committees, the Department highlighted recent violations in which local authorities approved charitable medical events led by organizations or individuals lacking valid operating or practice licenses. Officials said these irregularities violate existing laws and hinder effective management of the healthcare sector.
To standardize procedures, the Department cited Decree No. 96/2023/NĐ-CP, which stipulates that periodic charitable medical activities must be carried out by licensed medical facilities. Likewise, individual practitioners must hold valid medical practice certificates corresponding to the scope of their charitable work.
The regulation also requires written approval from the hosting medical facility or the head of the location where the charitable activity takes place. Commune and ward authorities are instructed to approve requests only when applicants meet all legal licensing and operational criteria.
The Department of Health urged local governments to closely coordinate implementation, ensuring that humanitarian medical examinations and treatments are conducted safely, lawfully, and effectively, while still encouraging participation from qualified organizations and individuals.