Circular No. 01/2008/TT-BYT guiding the work of Competition and Reward in the Health Sector

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for Competition and Reward Work in the Health Sector

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Pursuant to Decree No. 188/2007/NĐ-CP dated December 27, 2007 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Health;

Pursuant to the Law on Competition and Rewards dated November 26, 2003 and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards dated June 14, 2005;

Pursuant to Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP dated September 30, 2005 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards;

Pursuant to Decree No. 122/2005/NĐ-CP dated October 4, 2005 of the Government stipulating the organization of competition and reward work;

Pursuant to Circular No. 01/2007/TT-VPCP dated July 31, 2007 of the Government Office guiding the implementation of Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP dated September 30, 2005 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards.

After reaching consensus with the Central Steering Committee for Competition and Rewards, the Ministry of Health issues guidelines for competition and reward work in the Health Sector as follows:

Part I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

I. SCOPE OF REGULATION AND APPLICABLE SUBJECTS

1. This Circular guides the competition and reward work and the subjects, criteria, and conditions for awarding commendation titles and rewards in the Health Sector.

2. This Circular applies to all organizations and individuals operating in the health sector and meeting the conditions for competition and reward as prescribed herein, including:

a) Competition subjects:

- Individuals who are civil servants, public officials, and employees working at units within the Health Sector, including civil servants during their probationary period, indefinite-term contract employees, and employees with contracts lasting one year or more if they meet the criteria and can be awarded commendation titles according to regulations;

- Subordinate units under the Ministry of Health, Departments, Bureaus, General Departments, Offices, and the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Health;

- Health Departments of provinces and centrally governed cities

- Small groups belonging to subordinate units under the Ministry of Health, Provincial Health Departments, and Municipal Health Departments directly under the Central Government;

- Individuals and groups engaged in health work at agencies, units, and enterprises under various ministries, sectors, and localities nationwide.

b) Reward subjects:

- Subjects specified in point a, clause 2 above;

- Individuals and groups outside the Health Sector; foreign agencies, organizations, and individuals with outstanding achievements contributing to the health cause.

II. OBJECTIVES OF COMPETITION AND REWARD

Competition and reward work aims to encourage, motivate, and honor individuals and groups who enthusiastically engage in creative labor, fulfill their tasks excellently, and make outstanding contributions towards achieving the development goals of the Health Sector and the health care and improvement of people's health.

III. PRINCIPLES OF COMPETITION AND REWARD

c) The granting of competition titles must be based on competition movements; all collectives and individuals participating in these movements must register for competition, set goals, and establish targets; those not registering will not be considered for competition titles.

a) Voluntary, conscientious, public;

b) Unity, cooperation, and mutual development;

c) The granting of commendation titles must be based on the competition movement. All individuals and groups participating in the competition movement must register for competition and set competition targets; those not registering for competition will not be considered or recognized for commendation titles, except in cases of immediate rewards for individuals and organizations with particularly outstanding achievements;

2. Principles of Reward

a) Rewards must be accurate, transparent, fair, democratic, and timely;

b) Rewards must correspond to achievements, without necessarily following a hierarchical sequence from lower to higher levels of rewards;

c) Emphasis should be placed on rewarding individuals and small groups, and those performing duties; encouraging unit leaders to promptly reward individuals and groups with outstanding achievements; achievements made under difficult conditions and having a wider impact will be considered for higher-level rewards; previous achievements already rewarded cannot be cumulatively counted to increase subsequent reward levels;

d) No rewards shall be granted to individuals who fail to complete their tasks, have been disciplined with reprimands or higher penalties, or to groups where members have violated discipline with warnings or higher penalties during the competition mobilization period; cases where files do not comply with procedural and time requirements; individuals directly responsible for units that commit violations with warnings or higher penalties will not be eligible for rewards;

đ) A reward form may be granted multiple times to the same subject;

e) Combining spiritual encouragement closely with material incentives.

Part II. COMPETITION AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

I. FORM AND CONTENT OF COMPETITION

1. Forms of organizing competitions

a) Regular competition is a form of competition organized and implemented daily, monthly, quarterly, and annually to achieve the goals, targets, and programs, plans of work set forth by agencies and units.

Regular competition applies among individuals within a collective, among collectives within the same unit, or between units with similar functions, tasks, and nature of work.

b) Periodic competition and thematic competition are forms of competition organized to accomplish a key task, urgent matter of the unit, or to celebrate national holidays, sectoral anniversaries, or unit anniversaries.

Periodic competition and thematic competition must clearly define their content, purpose, start date, and end date. Competition achievements are counted towards the annual award achievements.

2. Launching Competitions

a) The Minister launches and directs the competition movement throughout the Sector.

The Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry is responsible for advising the Minister on the content of competitions and organizing competition movements.

b) Heads of agencies, organizations, and units launch and direct the competition movement within their respective agencies, organizations, and units.

c) Health sector mass organizations must closely coordinate with heads of agencies and units when launching and organizing competition movements to ensure high quality.

d) Communication centers, newspapers, and magazines of the Ministry of Health have the responsibility to regularly publicize competition activities, rewards, promote exemplary models, good deeds, encourage competition movements, identify outstanding individuals and groups in competition movements, and criticize violations of health laws.

3. Content of organizing competition movements

a) Clearly define the objectives, requirements, scope, and target audience of the competition, based on which specific targets and contents of the competition are established. Determining the content and targets of the competition must be scientific, practical, and feasible, with targets set at advanced levels to ensure that each individual and group strives to complete them.

b) Based on the characteristics, nature of work, profession, scope, and participants of the competition, appropriate methods of launching the competition should be adopted, emphasizing the promotion of the purpose and significance of the competition period, enhancing the sense of responsibility and self-awareness of all participants, diversifying competition launch methods, and opposing any ostentatious formalism in competitions.

c) Implement measures to organize and mobilize for competition, monitor the competition process, direct model points, and disseminate successful experiences of participating entities.

Trade Unions and Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union have the responsibility to publicize, motivate, and cooperate to organize competition movements as stipulated in Article 12 of the Law on Competition and Reward.

d) Summarize, conclude the movement, evaluate competition results: For long-term competition periods, intermediate summaries should be conducted to draw lessons; at the end of the competition period, a comprehensive evaluation of the competition's impact should be conducted; publicly select and reward outstanding and excellent individuals and groups in the competition movement.

II. COMPETITION AWARDS AND STANDARDS FOR COMPETITION AWARDS

1. Awards for Individuals:

a) Advanced Worker;

b) Outstanding Grassroots Laborer;

c) Outstanding Soldier of the Ministry;

d) National Outstanding Laborer.

2. Commendation titles for groups

a) Advanced Worker Group;

b) Excellent Worker Group;

c) Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of Health;

d) Flag of Excellence from the Government;

3. Standards for Advanced Worker Award:

The Advanced Worker Award is granted annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Completing assigned tasks well, achieving high productivity and quality;

b) Adhering well to the policies of the Party, laws of the State, internal regulations, and working rules of the agency, demonstrating self-reliance, self-improvement spirit, unity, mutual assistance, and active participation in competition movements;

c) Actively studying politics, culture, professional knowledge, and vocational skills;

d) Demonstrating healthy moral conduct and lifestyle;

đ) Having worked for 200 days or more according to the working schedule, except for the following specific cases:

- Attending short-term training under one year, if achieving satisfactory results and complying with the training institution's regulations, the time spent in training can be combined with the working time to assess the Advanced Worker Award;

- Attending training for one year or more, if achieving satisfactory academic results, then that year is considered equivalent to the Advanced Worker Award for the basis of other awards and honors;

- In cases of job transfer, the new unit is responsible for evaluating and nominating the Advanced Worker Award based on the assessment opinions of the previous unit.

- In cases where an individual has worked for 200 days or more (in a year) before receiving a job transfer decision, the previous unit evaluates and nominates the Advanced Worker Award.

4. Standards for Outstanding Soldier of the Base Award:

The Outstanding Soldier of the Base Award is granted annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Advanced Worker;

b) Having innovative ideas, technical improvements, applying new technologies, useful solutions, implementing work methods, administrative reform procedures to increase labor productivity and effectiveness of the agency or unit recognized by the Scientific Council (Innovation Council) at the base level.

The establishment of the Scientific Council (Innovation Council) is decided by the Head of the agency or unit. The Council consists of members with professional management expertise, technical skills, and the ability to appraise and verify innovations, experiences, or management solutions in the implementation of tasks of the agency or unit.

5. Standards for Outstanding Soldier of the Ministry Award:

The Outstanding Soldier of the Ministry Award is granted annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Consistently achieving the Outstanding Soldier of the Base Award three times consecutively prior to the nomination period.

b) Achievements having an impact within the Health Sector.

6. Standards for National Outstanding Soldier Award:

The National Outstanding Soldier Award is granted annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Consistently achieving the Outstanding Soldier of the Ministry Award two times consecutively prior to the nomination period.

b) Achievements having an impact nationwide.

7. Standards for Advanced Labor Collective Award:

The title of advanced labor collective is awarded annually to collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Successfully completing assigned tasks and plans;

b) Having a regular, practical, and effective competition movement; more than 50% of individuals in the collective have achieved the title of advanced laborer, and there is no individual disciplined with a warning or higher;

c) Internal solidarity, strictly implementing the Party's guidelines and policies and State laws;

8. Criteria for the title of outstanding labor collective:

The title of outstanding labor collective is awarded annually to collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Being creative, overcoming difficulties to excellently complete tasks and fulfill all obligations to the State;

b) There is a regular, practical, and effective competitive movement;

c) All individuals in the collective complete assigned tasks, among which at least 70% achieve the title of advanced laborer;

d) There is an individual who achieves the title of model worker at the grassroots level, and there is no individual disciplined with a warning or higher;

đ) Internal solidarity, exemplary implementation of the Party's guidelines and State laws and policies;

9. Criteria for the Flag of Excellence Award from the Ministry of Health:

The Flag of Excellence Award from the Ministry of Health is awarded annually to collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Exceeding all set competition targets and assigned tasks for the year, being a prominent and excellent example within the Ministry and the Sector;

b) Having new factors and models for other collectives within the Ministry and the Sector to emulate;

c) Internal solidarity, actively practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and other social evils;

d) Maintaining a regular, practical, and effective competition movement;

10. Criteria for the Flag of Excellence Award from the Government:

The Flag of Excellence Award from the Government is awarded annually to collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results, exceeding all set competition targets and assigned tasks for the year, being the most prominent and excellent examples nationwide;

b) Having new factors and models that serve as exemplary models for the whole country;

c) Internal solidarity, leading in practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and other social evils;

d) Maintaining a regular, practical, and effective competition movement;

11. Quantity and allocation of Flags of Excellence from the Ministry of Health and the Government:

a) Quantity and allocation of Flags of Excellence from the Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health awards a maximum of 70 Flags of Excellence annually, allocated as follows:

- Treatment System: Maximum of 14 Flags;

- Preventive Healthcare and HIV/AIDS Prevention System: Maximum of 15 Flags;

- Training and Scientific Research System: Maximum of 5 Flags;

- Pharmacy and Quality Control System: Maximum of 8 Flags;

- Communication, Journalism, Publishing System: Maximum of 4 Flags;

- Traditional Medicine System: Maximum of 5 Flags;

- Health Inspection System: Maximum of 4 Flags;

- Population and Reproductive Health System: Maximum of 6 Flags;

- Administrative Management Block: Provincial Health Departments, units under the Ministry of Health: Maximum of 6 Flags;

- Other Units (not included in the above systems): Maximum of 3 Flags;

b) Quantity and allocation of Flags of Excellence from the Government.

- Communication, Journalism, Publishing System: 1 Flag;

- Traditional Medicine System: 1 Flag;

- Administrative Management Block and other units (not included in the above systems): 2 Flags;

c) Depending on the actual situation each year, the Chairman of the Ministry of Health's Competition and Reward Council may adjust the flag distribution ratio for units accordingly;

12. Registration for commendation titles

a) Each year, units must organize for their collectives and individuals to register for commendation titles for the year to strive for;

b) Competition registration of units must be submitted to the Ministry (Standing Office of the Competition and Reward Council) before January 31 each year for monitoring, guidance, and as a basis for awarding commendation titles. Units without competition registration will not be considered for commendation titles;

Part III. FORMS, OBJECTS AND CRITERIA FOR REWARDS

1. Commendation forms and commendation titles decided by the Minister of Health to be reported to higher authorities for decision

a) Orders:

- Golden Star Order;

- Ho Chi Minh Order;

- Independence Order, first class, second class, third class;

- Labor Order, first class, second class, third class;

- Courage Order;

- Friendship Order;

b) Medals:

- Friendship Medal;

c) National Honorary Titles:

- Heroic Laborer;

- People's Teacher;

- Meritorious Teacher;

- People's Doctor;

- Meritorious Doctor;

d) Prestigious Awards:

- Ho Chi Minh Award;

- State Prize;

đ) Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister;

e) Flag of Excellence from the Government;

f) National Model Worker;

2. Commendation forms and commendation titles decided by the Minister of Health

a) Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Health;

b) Commemorative Medal "For the Health of the People";

c) Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of Health;

d) Outstanding Labor Collective;

e) Model Worker of the Ministry;

3. Criteria for Orders, Medals, National Honorary Titles, high-level awards, and Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister.

Implemented according to Chapter III of the Law on Competition and Reward and Chapter III of Decree No. 121/2005/ND-CP dated September 30, 2005 of the Government "Guidelines and Instructions for Implementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward" (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 121/2005/ND-CP) and other relevant legal documents;

4. Criteria for Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Health

a) For individuals:

- Individuals who are outstanding among those who have continuously achieved the title of Model Worker at the grassroots level for two consecutive years;

- Individuals who have achieved outstanding results recognized during special competition campaigns initiated by the Ministry of Health or have achieved outstanding results recognized by the Minister of Health, or are active members of drafting committees or editorial teams for draft laws, decrees, ordinances reviewed and approved by the National Assembly or the Standing Committee of the National Assembly;

b) For collectives:

- Collectives who are outstanding among those who have continuously achieved the title of outstanding labor collective for two consecutive years, and must have achieved the title of outstanding labor collective in the year of recommendation for commendation;

- Achieving outstanding results recognized during special competition campaigns initiated by the Ministry of Health, or are active members of drafting committees or editorial teams for draft laws, decrees reviewed and approved by the National Assembly or the Standing Committee of the National Assembly;

c) Immediate commendation:

Individuals and organizations with outstanding and exceptionally excellent achievements, making significant contributions to the healthcare cause shall be awarded by the Minister of Health without following the procedures and conditions stipulated in Points a and b, Clause 4 and Clause 5, Part III of this Circular, in order to encourage, motivate, and promptly reward those individuals and organizations with outstanding achievements.

5. Criteria for the Commemorative Medal "For the People's Health"

a) The Commemorative Medal "For the People's Health" is a form of award granted by the Minister of Health to recognize the contributions of individuals who have made many achievements in protecting, caring for, and improving the health of the people, and it is only awarded once to each individual.

b) Recipients under consideration

- Medical staff including civil servants, public officials, and employees (collectively referred to as medical staff) working in the Healthcare Sector;

- Individuals outside the Healthcare Sector;

- Foreign nationals.

c) Award criteria for medical staff working in the Healthcare Sector.

- Duration of service:

+ Must have worked in the Healthcare Sector for at least 20 years;

+ For medical staff who have worked for at least 24 months in Tuberculosis, Hansen's Disease, Mental Health, Radiology, Pathology, HIV patient care, AIDS patient care, directly handling hazardous chemicals, or working at grassroots healthcare facilities in remote, mountainous, border, and island areas, they may be considered five years earlier than the specified period.

- Achievements: Have made significant contributions to the cause of protecting, caring for, and improving the health of the people, or have donated organs while alive or after death.

d) Award criteria for individuals outside the Healthcare Sector and foreign nationals:

Individuals must have achieved outstanding and immediate results that significantly impact the completion of tasks in the Healthcare Sector, recognized by a collective body and highly evaluated by the Minister of Health. Individuals outside the Healthcare Sector include:

- Party and State leaders; leaders of Ministries and agencies under the Government; provincial and municipal leaders directly contributing to the successful implementation of the cause of protecting, caring for, and improving the health of the people;

- Individuals participating in disease prevention and control, community health care, and environmental sanitation;

- Individuals making substantial material and spiritual contributions to the Healthcare Sector;

- Foreign nationals making notable contributions to the cause of protecting, caring for, and improving the health of the people;

- Individuals donating organs while alive or after death;

- Individuals with other outstanding achievements: Demonstrating courageous actions or achieving particularly outstanding results in disaster prevention and mitigation, epidemic control, and contributing to the successful implementation of the cause of protecting, caring for, and improving the health of the people.

6. Criteria for Certificates of Merit from Unit Heads

Certificates of Merit from unit heads are forms of recognition awarded to individuals and groups within healthcare institutions during annual reviews; upon completion of campaigns or competitions; for individuals and groups with outstanding and immediate achievements; for exemplary individuals and deeds within the scope of their activities.

Individuals and groups receiving awards during annual reviews must meet the following criteria:

a) For individuals:

- Fulfilling duties and civic obligations well;

- Having good moral character; being united and exemplary in implementing Party policies and state laws;

- Continuously studying to improve professional knowledge and skills.

b) For collectives:

- Fulfilling duties well;

- Maintaining internal unity, effectively implementing democratic regulations at the grassroots level, and organizing competitive activities well;

- Caring for the material and spiritual lives of group members, practicing thrift;

- Fully implementing systems and policies for all members of the group.

Part IV. AUTHORITY TO DECIDE, PROCEDURES, FILES, AND PROCESSES FOR AWARDING REWARDS AND PRESENTATION CEREMONIES

I. AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AWARDS

1. Authority to decide on awarding commendation titles and forms of rewards

a) Authority to decide on awarding commendation forms of the President, Government, and Prime Minister as stipulated in Article 77 and 78 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward;

b) The Minister of Health decides on awarding:

- The title of Outstanding Competitor at the Ministry level;

- The Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of Health;

- The title of Excellent Labor Collective;

- Certificates of Merit for individuals or collectives;

- Commemorative Medal "For People's Health".

c) Heads of units decide on awarding:

- The title of Outstanding Competitor at the Basic Level;

- Letters of Commendation for individuals or collectives;

- The title of Advanced Worker;

- The title of Advanced Labor Collective.

II. PROCEDURE AND APPLICATION FILE FOR REWARD PROPOSALS

1. Reward proposal process

a) Heads of units at all levels within the health sector are responsible for rewarding according to the authority defined in Clause 6 of Part III of this Circular or submitting proposals to higher authorities for rewarding individuals or collectives under their management;

b) The level that initiates the competition period shall select outstanding individuals and collectives to be awarded commendation titles or rewards or propose to higher authorities to confer such titles or rewards;

c) In cases where reward proposals are made based on the authority of the Minister of Health:

- For individuals and collectives at provincial or centrally-administered city level: The Provincial Health Department Director receives the application file, reviews it, and prepares a report to submit to the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Health's Competition and Reward Council;

- For individuals and collectives within the health sector: The Provincial Health Department Director or the Head of the health sector establishes the application file, list, and prepares a report with confirmation from the leadership of the main managing ministry to submit to the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Health's Competition and Reward Council;

- For the Vietnam Medical Association and professional associations: The Chairman of the Vietnam Medical Association and the Chairmen of professional associations in the medical field establish the application file, list, and prepare a letter of proposal to submit to the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Health's Competition and Reward Council;

- For retired individuals within the health sector who belong to any agency or unit, the Head of the agency or unit is responsible for establishing the application file and preparing a document to propose for consideration of awarding (for the commemorative medal "For People's Health").

h) For individuals outside the health sector:

- At local level, the Provincial Health Department Director establishes the application file, list, and prepares a report detailing achievements with comments from the provincial or centrally-administered city People's Committee leadership to submit to the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Health's Competition and Reward Council;

- At central level, the Directors of Departments, Bureaus, and General Administrations under the Ministry of Health, and the Heads of units directly under the Ministry establish the application file, list, and prepare a document confirming achievements to submit to the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Health's Competition and Reward Council;

- For individuals who are foreigners working in Vietnam, the Head of the organization or entity where the foreigner works establishes the application file, list, and proposes to the International Cooperation Department and Legal Affairs Department for submission to the Ministry Leadership for review and approval.

2. Receiving reward proposal files

The Standing Committee of the Ministry of Health's Competition and Reward Council is responsible for receiving reward proposal files from units nationwide.

a) For Certificates of Merit from the Minister

The Certificate of Merit for individuals includes:

- The proposal for awarding merit from the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for awarding;

- Minutes of the meeting of the unit's Competition and Reward Council;

- Decision or certificate granting the title of Outstanding Competitor at the basic level by the unit head (copy);

- Report on achievements of the individual proposed for awarding (must be signed and have the full name noted, and confirmed by the unit head): According to Form No. 02;

- Confirmation of innovation, improvement, and application of new technology by the Scientific Council or Innovation Council of the unit (if applicable) or a copy of the document confirming membership in the drafting team or editorial group for the development of a draft Law, Ordinance, or Decree of the Government during the year of evaluation.

The Certificate of Merit for collectives includes:

- The proposal for awarding merit from the unit accompanied by a list of collectives proposed for awarding;

- Minutes of the meeting of the unit's Competition and Reward Council;

- Decision or certificate granting the title of Excellent Labor Collective (copy);

- Report on achievements of the collective proposed for awarding (must be signed and have the full name noted, and confirmed by the unit head): According to Form No. 01;

- Confirmation of fulfillment of tax obligations for collectives with tax obligations;

- Confirmation of innovation, improvement, and application of new technology by the Scientific Council or Innovation Council of the unit (if applicable) or a copy of the document confirming that there is a member in the unit who is a member of the drafting team or editorial group for the development of a draft Law, Ordinance, or Decree of the Government during the year of evaluation.

b) For Orders, Medals, Heroic Labor Titles, and Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister.

The documents include:

- The proposal for awarding merit from the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and collectives proposed for awarding;

- Minutes of the meeting of the unit's Competition and Reward Council;

- Decision or certificate granting the title of Outstanding Competitor at the basic level (for individuals) and Excellent Labor Collective (for collectives) (copy);

- Report on achievements of the individual (Form No. 02 or 03) and collective (Form No. 01 or 04) proposed for awarding must be signed and have the full name noted, confirmed by the unit head and confirmed by the level proposing to the Prime Minister (signed, stamped);

- Summary report on achievements of the individual and collective;

- Confirmation of innovation, improvement, and application of new technology by the Scientific Council or Innovation Council of the unit; acceptance document for scientific research projects by the Scientific Council at the unit or ministry level;

- Confirmation of fulfillment of tax obligations for collectives with tax obligations;

- Opinion of the provincial or centrally-administered city People's Committee on activities in the locality (for individuals or organizations proposed for national commendation titles and reward forms) implemented by the Central Competition and Reward Board.

c) For the titles of People's Teacher, Outstanding Teacher, Ho Chi Minh Prize, State Prize: Implement according to the provisions of Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP and other relevant legal normative documents;

d) For the titles of People's Doctor, Outstanding Doctor: Implement according to Circular No. 09/2007/TT-BYT dated June 6, 2007, of the Ministry of Health on guiding the awarding of the titles of People's Doctor and Outstanding Doctor (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 09/2007/TT-BYT);

đ) For immediate commendation:

The documents include:

- A proposal for commendation from the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation;

- Minutes of the meeting of the unit's Competition and Reward Council;

- A summary report of achievements of the individuals and groups proposed for commendation (Form No. 06), specifying the actions, achievements, and merits that led to the commendation, signed and clearly stating the full name, confirmed by the head of the unit. If the commendation is for scientific research achievements, inventions, or contributions to drafting successful Laws, Ordinances, or specialized Decrees, then a Decision or Certificate of Recognition issued by the competent authority must be attached (a copy) or a Decision establishing the drafting committee or editing group for the draft Law, Ordinance, or Decree (a copy) approved by the National Assembly, Standing Committee of the National Assembly, or the Government;

e) For thematic commendations:

The documents include:

- A proposal for commendation from the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation;

- Minutes of the meeting of the Competition and Commendation Council of the unit;

- A report on achievements of the individuals and groups proposed for commendation (Form No. 07), signed and clearly stating the full name, confirmed by the head of the unit and confirmed by the level submitting to the Prime Minister (signed, stamped);

g) For commendation based on long-term dedication: Implement according to the provisions of Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP and other relevant legal normative documents;

h) For the presentation of the Commemorative Medal "For the Health of the People":

1. A registration form for issuing a journalist card filled out by the applicant according to the model; approved and stamped by the head of the applying agency (Model No. 1);

- A proposal or document requesting the award (Form No. 09);

- A list of individuals proposed for the award (three copies): (Form 10);

- A record of individual achievements with confirmation by the head of the unit (Form 11).

3. Quantity of commendation application files

a) For the title of National Labor Model, Flag of the Government, Medal, Badge, Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister: 04 sets (originals);

b) For the title of Heroic Laborer: 04 sets (originals) and 20 sets (copies);

c) For other commendation titles and forms within the authority of the Minister: 01 set (original);

d) For the Ho Chi Minh Prize and State Prize: Implement according to other relevant legal normative documents;

đ) For the titles of People's Teacher and Outstanding Teacher: Implement according to the provisions of Circular No. 07/2006/TT-BGDĐT dated March 20, 2006, of the Ministry of Education and Training on guiding the awarding of the titles of People's Teacher and Outstanding Teacher (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 07/2006/TT-BGDĐT);

e) For the titles of People's Doctor and Outstanding Doctor: Implement according to the provisions of Circular No. 09/2007/TT-BYT;

g) For the Commemorative Medal "For the Health of the People": 03 sets (originals).

4. Time for submission of files for awarding commendation titles and outstanding achievement awards

a) The time for submission of files for awarding the Flag of the Government, Flag of the Ministry of Health, Excellent Labor Group, National Labor Model, and Ministry of Health Labor Model to the Ministry of Health (Legal Affairs Department) before January 15 of the following year of the proposed commendation;

b) For cases with outstanding and sudden achievements, units shall immediately establish files and submit them to the competent authorities for commendation decisions upon achieving the results;

5. Commendation approval process

a) After receiving complete and valid files, the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council is responsible for reviewing the files and achievements of commendation titles and forms according to the legal regulations and provisions in this Circular; reporting to the Chairman of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry for decision on commendation or for the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry to review;

For incomplete files, the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council will notify the submitting unit within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the file;

b) For the form of commendation of the Golden Star Medal, Ho Chi Minh Medal, and the title of Heroic Laborer, the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council will provide comments and report to the Secretary of the Party Cadre and Civil Servants' Committee and the Minister for a decision before proceeding with the procedures as prescribed;

c) For the title of National Labor Model, Independence Medal, Labor Medal, Courage Medal, Friendship Medal, and Badge: The Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry will review the files, compile, and report to the Chairman of the Council for review by the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry, complete the files and minutes of the Council meeting for the Minister to submit to the Prime Minister and the President for decision;

đ) For the Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister: The Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry will review the files, compile, and report to the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry for review, complete the files and minutes of the Council meeting for the Minister to submit to the Prime Minister for decision;

e) For the Flag of the Government and Flag of the Ministry: Departments, Bureaus, General Departments responsible for evaluating achievements, selecting, and proposing according to the annual allocation, the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry will review the files, compile, and report to the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry for review;

đ) For the Certificate of Merit and Commemorative Medal "For the Health of the People" of the Ministry of Health: The Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council is responsible for reviewing the files and reporting to the Minister for decision. In necessary cases, the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council may seek opinions in writing from related units or members of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry before reporting to the Minister for decision;

g) For commendation titles: Excellent Labor Collective, Model Warrior for Competition at the Ministry level: The Standing Committee of the Competition and Reward Council shall review the files, seek written opinions from relevant units, compile them, and submit to the Chairman of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Health before convening the Council meeting, complete the file and the minutes of the Council meeting for the Minister's decision or submit to the Prime Minister according to their authority;

h) For rewarding individuals and collectives outside the Health Sector: The head of the proposing unit shall prepare a report attached with a summary of achievements of the proposed individuals and collectives for commendation, send it to the Standing Committee of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry for comments before submitting to the Minister for decision;

i) The Standing Committee of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry is responsible for proposing commendation titles and reward forms for comrades in leadership positions within the Ministry, to be submitted to the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry for examination before submitting to the Minister for decision.

7. Procedures for examining the Ho Chi Minh Award, State Award, National Teacher title, Outstanding Teacher title, People's Doctor title, Outstanding Doctor title:

To be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward, Decree No. 121/2005/ND-CP, Circular No. 07/2006/TT-BGDĐT, Circular No. 09/2007/TT-BYT, and other related legal normative documents.

III. CEREMONY OF BESTOWAL

1. Principles of organization:

- Announcing and bestowing commendation titles and reward forms is an occasion to honor exemplary models and advanced collectives, therefore, it must be organized solemnly, ensuring effectiveness and practicality, avoiding ostentatious formalism and waste. When organizing, it should be combined with other contents of the unit to save time and costs.

- Ritual for bestowing Orders, Medals, state honorary titles: Ho Chi Minh Award, State Award; Flag of Excellence from the Government; Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister: to be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 154/2004/ND-CP dated August 9, 2004 of the Government on state rituals in organizing rallies, commemorations, bestowal and reception of state honorary titles Orders, Medals, Flag of Excellence from the Government, Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister.

2. Procedures for holding award ceremonies:

- For Orders, Medals, state honorary titles, Ho Chi Minh Award, State Award, after receiving the Decision on Commendation, the head of the unit shall plan the reception and submit to the Minister (through the Standing Committee of the Competition and Reward Council). After obtaining the Minister's approval, the Standing Committee of the Competition and Reward Council will coordinate with the unit to announce and bestow.

- For Flag of Excellence from the Government; National Model Warrior; Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister, after receiving the Decision on Commendation, the head of the unit shall proactively plan and organize the announcement and bestowal to the individual or collective within the unit that has been commended.

- For commendation titles and reward forms within the authority of the Minister, the Minister may delegate the heads of units to organize the announcement and bestowal.

Part V. FUND FOR COMPETITION AND REWARD

1. Competition and Reward Fund

The Competition and Reward Fund of the Health Sector serves the work of competition and reward, including the Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry of Health and the Competition and Reward Funds of subordinate units.

2. Sources and Levels of Contribution to the Fund

a) Annually, the Director of the Department of Planning and Finance shall be responsible for allocating funds to serve the work of competition and reward of the Ministry in accordance with Clause 1, Article 66 of Decree No. 121/2005/ND-CP; Circular No. 73/2006/TT-BTC dated August 15, 2006 of the Ministry of Finance on guiding the establishment and use of the Competition and Reward Fund (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 73/2006/TT-BTC);

b) The Ministry of Health encourages individuals and collectives inside and outside the sector to support and contribute to supplementing the Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry of Health and the Competition and Reward Funds of the units.

3. Management and Use of the Competition and Reward Fund

a) Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry of Health:

- The Office of the Ministry is responsible for managing the Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry of Health to serve the work of competition and reward;

At the end of the year, any surplus fund not used up shall be transferred to the next year for continued use in the work of competition and reward;

- The Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry of Health shall be used:

+ To pay cash rewards or purchase tangible gifts for individuals and collectives being rewarded in accordance with the principles stipulated in Clause 4, Part V of this Circular;

+ To cover printing costs for certificates of merit, medals, model warriors, commemorative medals, flags of excellence, frames for certificates of merit, frames for certificates, and other expenses for sudden rewards and other expenses serving the work of competition and reward decided by the Minister of Health;

+ To support the organization of competition movements initiated by the Minister.

b) Competition and Reward Fund of the unit: to be managed and used by the units in accordance with Decree No. 121/2005/ND-CP; Circular No. 73/2006/TT-BTC and other related legal normative documents.

4. Principles of Reward Payment

a) Responsibility for Reward Payment

- When individuals and collectives are conferred the title of Heroic Laborer, Independence Order, Ho Chi Minh Order, Star Order: the Ministry of Health shall make the payment;

- When individuals and collectives under the Ministry of Health are commended by the Prime Minister, the Government, or the President:

+ For individuals and collectives under the Ministry of Health Office: the Ministry of Health shall make the payment;

+ For individuals and collectives under subordinate units of the Ministry of Health: the head of the unit shall make the payment;

- When the Minister commends:

+ For individuals and collectives under the Ministry of Health Office: the Ministry of Health shall make the payment;

+ For individuals and collectives under subordinate units of the Ministry of Health: the head of the unit shall make the payment;

- For the Flag of Excellence from the Government and the Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of Health: the Ministry of Health shall make the payment;

- For individuals and organizations commended by the Minister of Health on a sudden basis: the Ministry of Health shall make the payment.

b) Specific amounts of cash rewards accompanying commendation titles and reward forms shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Articles 69 to 74 of Decree No. 121/2005/ND-CP and other related legal normative documents.

In the case of awarding outstanding and exceptional achievements to individuals or groups as stipulated in point c, Clause 4, Part III of this Circular, the funds shall be sourced from non-budgetary contributions approved by the Minister of Health based on the proposal of the Standing Committee of the Competition and Award Council.

c) At the same time, for the same achievement if different commendation titles and forms of awards are received, the recipient may only receive monetary rewards (or accompanying gifts) corresponding to the highest level of commendation or form of award. If an individual or entity receives multiple commendation titles at the same time, each title will be recognized with its respective monetary reward.

d) The expenditure for organizing competition movements shall be proposed by the Standing Committee of the Competition and Award Council and decided upon by the Chairman of the Competition and Award Council of the Ministry.

PART VI. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS

AWARDED COMMENDATIONS

1. Rights of individuals and groups receiving awards

a) Individuals who receive commendation titles and awards accompanied by certificates and a monetary reward or gift as prescribed have the right to retain, display, and use the awarded items, to be considered for salary advancement ahead of schedule according to regulations; priority in being sent for research, study, work, and professional development both domestically and internationally; commendation titles and forms of awards serve as one of the bases for evaluation, planning, appointment, and reappointment of cadres annually.

b) Groups that receive commendation titles and awards accompanied by certificates and a monetary reward or gift as prescribed have the right to retain, display, and use the symbols of the awards on official documents and materials of their units.

2. Obligations of individuals and groups receiving awards

a) Individuals and groups recognized with commendation titles and awards must properly preserve the awarded items and not lend them to others.

b) Continue to maintain and promote the achieved results worthy of the received commendation titles and forms of awards.

PART VII. COMPETITION AND AWARD COUNCILS AT ALL LEVELS

1. Competition and Award Councils at all levels within the Ministry of Health

a) At the Ministry of Health: The Competition and Award Council of the Ministry of Health; The Competition and Award Council of the Ministry's Office.

b) At units: The Competition and Award Council of the unit.

2. Authority to decide on the establishment of Competition and Award Councils within the Ministry of Health

a) The Minister decides on the establishment of the Competition and Award Council of the Ministry of Health; The Competition and Award Council of the Ministry's Office.

b) Heads of units decide on the establishment of the Competition and Award Councils of their own units.

3. Composition of the Competition and Award Council of the Ministry of Health

a) Chairperson: The Minister.

b) Vice-Chairpersons: Deputy Ministers responsible for competition and award activities and the Chairman of the Health Workers' Union.

c) Standing Members of the Council: The Standing Committee of the Competition and Award Council of the Ministry of Health.

d) Members of the Council: Representatives of Department Directors, Bureau Chiefs, General Bureau Chiefs, Inspectorate Chief, Director of the Office, and equivalents.

đ) The Council shall have a Secretariat organized by the Chairperson.

4. Composition of the Competition and Award Council of the Ministry's Office

a) Chairperson: Deputy Minister responsible for competition and award activities.

b) Vice-Chairperson: Chairman of the Union of the Ministry's Office.

c) Standing Members of the Council: The Standing Committee of the Competition and Award Council of the Ministry's Office.

d) Members of the Council: Representatives of leadership of some Departments, Bureaus, General Bureaus, Office, Inspectorate, Party Committee of the Ministry's Office, Youth League of Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Corps of the Ministry of Health.

đ) The Council shall have a Secretariat organized by the Chairperson.

5. Composition of the Competition and Award Councils of Units

a) Chairperson: Head of the Unit.

b) Vice-Chairperson: Chairman of the Union of the Unit.

c) Standing Member - Secretary of the Council: Head of the Department (Bureau) of Competition and Award or staff responsible for competition and award activities of the unit.

d) Members of the Council: Representatives of the Party Committee, other members determined by the Head of the Unit based on the principle of having 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 members.

6. Principles of operation, tasks, and powers of Competition and Award Councils at all levels

a) Competition and Award Councils at all levels operate under the principle of democratic centralism and majority voting. In cases where the opinions of Council members are evenly divided, the opinion of the Chairperson shall be decisive.

b) Specific principles of operation, tasks, and powers of the Competition and Award Council of the Ministry of Health shall be implemented according to the Working Regulations prescribed by the Minister.

c) Specific principles of operation, tasks, and powers of the Competition and Award Council of the unit shall be prescribed by the Head of the unit at the same level.

Part VIII. INSPECTION, HANDLING OF VIOLATIONS, COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

1. Inspection of competition and commendation work

a) The Standing Office for Competition and Commendation of the Ministry shall be responsible for inspecting the competition and commendation work at units within the entire sector before, during, and after the commendation process;

b) Unit heads shall be responsible for organizing inspections of competition and commendation work at their own units, resolving complaints and reports related to competition and commendation, and recommending competent authorities to revoke commendation decisions in cases where violations of regulations on competition and commendation are discovered.

2. Handling of violations, resolution of complaints and reports

a) The handling of violations and resolution of complaints and reports shall be carried out in accordance with Article 96 and Article 97 of the Law on Competition and Commendation; Article 77 and Article 78 of Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP and other relevant legal normative documents;

b) The procedures, formalities, deadlines, and files for resolving complaints and reports on competition and commendation shall be implemented in accordance with the laws on complaints and reports.

3. Revocation of commendation decisions and recovery of commendation items

a) If a collective or individual falsely claims achievements to obtain commendation, they will be administratively punished (or held criminally responsible) based on the severity of the violation, leading to the revocation of the commendation decision, recovery of the commendation items, and benefits received;

b) The agency proposing commendation for a collective or individual who falsely claimed achievements shall be responsible for submitting to the Ministry of Health (Competition and Commendation Council) to revoke the commendation decision and recover the commendation items within its authority, or to submit to a competent authority to revoke the commendation decision and recover the commendation items;

c) After the decision of the Minister of Health or a competent authority, the agency shall return the recovered commendation items to the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry of Health; the recovered funds shall be deposited into the state budget.

Part IX. MANAGEMENT OF COMPETITION AND RECOGNITION FILES

1. Management of files at the Ministry of Health

The Standing Office for Competition and Commendation (Legal Affairs Department) shall be responsible for managing files of competition titles and commendation forms within the authority of the Minister and above, and all other files related to competition and commendation work in the health sector as prescribed. At the end of the year, the files shall be compiled and stored according to regulations.

2. Management of files at units

a) Organizations conducting competition and commendation work shall manage and store all files related to competition and commendation work as prescribed;

b) For detailed reports on achievements proposed for competition titles and commendation forms of individuals and collectives within the authority of the Minister to decide, the unit shall organize storage according to regulations without attaching the commendation proposal file to the Ministry of Health.

Part X. IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION

1. Organization of competition and commendation work

a) The Standing Office for Competition and Commendation of the Ministry of Health is a unit with the function of advising the Minister to implement state management over competition and commendation work in the health sector, performing functions and tasks according to Decree No. 122/2005/NĐ-CP dated October 4, 2005 of the Government on organization of competition and commendation work;

b) In each department, bureau, Office, and Inspectorate (belonging to the Ministry's agencies), each unit shall arrange one civil servant to concurrently perform competition and commendation work;

c) In each public service unit, each unit shall arrange one or more staff members to concurrently perform competition and commendation work;

d) In Provincial Health Departments: One dedicated staff member shall be arranged to perform competition and commendation work;

đ) In enterprises: Based on the workload, staff members shall be arranged to ensure the effective implementation of competition and commendation work. Units with 500 (five hundred) or more employees shall be arranged one dedicated staff member to perform competition and commendation work; units with 2000 or more employees shall be arranged two to three dedicated staff members to perform competition and commendation work.

2. Reporting on competition and commendation work

a) Annually, units shall conduct summaries and evaluations of competition and commendation work and submit reports to the Standing Office for Competition and Commendation of the Ministry before January 15 of the following year;

b) When launching competitions and after each competition period, units shall be responsible for organizing interim summaries and final evaluations and submitting reports to the Standing Office for Competition and Commendation of the Ministry of Health.

3. Guidance on Implementation

a) The Standing Office for Competition and Commendation of the Ministry of Health shall be responsible for guiding and supervising the implementation of this Circular. Based on the actual situation annually, the Standing Office for Competition and Commendation of the Ministry of Health shall study and propose commendation ratios for units;

b) Heads of units shall organize the specific implementation of standards suitable for the operational conditions of their units; establish specific competition targets, encourage quantification of these targets into scales to ensure accurate and objective commendation assessments.

Part XI. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

1. This Circular shall take effect fifteen days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. The Decision No. 4173/2004/QĐ-BYT dated November 19, 2004 of the Minister of Health on the issuance of the Medal "For People's Health" and the Regulations on awarding the Medal "For People's Health" is hereby repealed.

2. The Chairman of the Ministry’s Awards Council, the Director of the Ministry’s Office, the Heads of the ministries’ subordinate agencies and units, the Directors of the Health Departments of centrally governed cities and provinces, and the Standing Body of the Ministry of Health’s Awards Council shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

During implementation, if difficulties arise, units and localities should report to the Ministry of Health for research and resolution./.