Circular No. 06/BYT-TT guiding the implementation of the Prime Minister's Directive on caring for the elderly and supporting activities for the Vietnam Elderly Association

CIRCULAR OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Guidelines for Implementing the Directive of the Prime Minister on the Care of the Elderly and Support for the Activities of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly

On February 27, 1996, the Prime Minister issued Directive No. 117/TTg on the care of the elderly and support for the activities of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly. To effectively implement the Prime Minister's directive, the Ministry guides units to implement as follows:

I. PROVINCE AND CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS UNDER THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT:

1. Coordinate with the Provincial People's Committee's United Front Organization and related agencies to assist in establishing the Elderly Association at the commune, ward, and town levels, helping the association to stabilize its organization and create a movement among the elderly regarding economic and social tasks at the local level such as disease prevention, social evil prevention, family planning implementation, and economic development according to the VAC model. Strictly implement Directive No. 134/CT dated May 11, 1983, of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (now the Prime Minister), proposing appropriate programs and actions under local conditions to better care for the health of the elderly.

2. For medical staff elected by the locality to join the Executive Board of the Elderly Association, the Department must create favorable conditions in terms of time and means of operation so that these staff members can effectively contribute to the Association's activities.

3. Direct district and county health centers, commune and ward health stations to fulfill the following requirements:

a. Coordinate with the United Front Organization at the same level to assist in the activities of the Elderly Association.

b. Mobilize and assist retired medical personnel to participate in initial health care for the elderly, such as disseminating basic medical knowledge, traditional medicine; planting medicinal plants for non-commercial purposes.

c. Organize guidance for the elderly to exercise and maintain their health, disseminate common medical knowledge and physical therapy for health improvement. Identify frail and disabled elderly individuals requiring special care, ideally home-based medical services. Coordinate with the District or County Social Welfare Office to identify difficult cases, single-person households without support, and consider issuing partial hospital fee exemption cards according to Circular No. 14/TT-LB dated September 30, 1995, on the collection of partial hospital fees.

4. Direct provincial and city under central government health insurance organizations to study and develop plans to pilot voluntary health insurance schemes, particularly voluntary health insurance for the elderly.

II. MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS

1. Central-affiliated hospitals, provincial and city hospitals under the central government, district and county hospitals should reserve beds for treating the elderly, especially those commonly affected by age-related diseases.

2. Outpatient departments of medical institutions must prioritize examination and treatment for the elderly, providing home-based medical services for severely disabled elderly individuals who have difficulty moving.

Upon receipt of this Circular, local units must immediately develop implementation plans. During the implementation process, if there are difficulties or obstacles, they must promptly report to the Ministry (Treatment Department) for research and resolution.

Do Nguyen Phuong

(Signed)