Circular No. 08-BYT/TT on guiding the implementation of health work in border areas between Vietnam and Laos

CIRCULAR

OF THE MINISTER OF HEALTH NUMBER 08-BYT/TT DATED APRIL 2, 1991 GUIDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH WORK IN VIETNAM-LAO BORDER AREAS

To implement the Agreement on the regime of the national border between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Lao People's Democratic Republic signed on March 1, 1990, and the Government Decree promulgating the regime of the Vietnam-Laos border area (No. 427-CP dated December 12, 1990), the Ministry of Health guides the implementation of health work in the Vietnam-Laos border areas as follows:

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. The Vietnam-Laos border areas refer to those specified in the Government Decree promulgating the regime of the Vietnam-Laos border area (No. 427-CP dated December 12, 1990).

2. The implementation of health work in the Vietnam-Laos border areas must comply with the provisions of Articles 15, 16, and (c) of the Agreement on the regime of the national border between the two countries.

3. Medical staff crossing over to perform health work upon request from the other side must strictly adhere to the regulations of the Vietnam-Laos border area regime.

II. CONTENTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH WORK IN VIETNAM-LAO BORDER AREAS

1. Disease prevention and control

a. When an epidemic occurs in the Vietnam border area, local authorities must take immediate preventive measures and promptly inform the local authorities on the other side. If requested, the other side will provide timely assistance within their capabilities, and vice versa.

b. During the period when there is an epidemic involving quarantinable diseases and dangerous infectious diseases (cholera, plague, yellow fever), the health authority must report to the local authorities to temporarily halt cross-border movement in the affected border areas. The decision to halt cross-border movement within the scope of border villages or equivalent administrative units shall be made by the local authorities and reported immediately to their superiors.

c. At border gates where there are health quarantine agencies, the inspection of individuals, vehicles, motorcycles, boats, etc., crossing the border by land and water shall be carried out by the health quarantine agency at each location based on the Health Quarantine Regulations of Vietnam and the local situation, but not contrary to the Health Quarantine Regulations of Vietnam.

2. Medical examination and treatment

a. If citizens from the other side in the border area suffer accidents, emergencies, or illnesses, and their family members or close relatives directly contact medical facilities for examination and treatment, these facilities must provide thorough care within their capacity and means.

b. After examination and treatment, the medical facility must report to the local authorities so that they can inform the local authorities on the other side about necessary procedures.

c. If medical staff from Vietnam are requested by the other side to assist with health work, they must report to the local authorities and complete all necessary procedures according to the Vietnam-Laos border area regime promulgated in Government Decree No. 427-CP dated December 12, 1990.

III. REPORTING SYSTEM FOR HEALTH ACTIVITIES

1. Health facilities in the Vietnam-Laos border areas must report monthly according to previous general regulations to the county health authority. In cases of epidemics requiring urgent reporting, particularly for the most dangerous quarantinable diseases (cholera, plague, yellow fever), they must report within 24 hours to higher-level health authorities.

2. In case of an epidemic, if medicines, equipment, or disease prevention capabilities are insufficient, health facilities must promptly report to higher-level health authorities to seek reinforcement.

This Circular takes effect from April 2, 1991. Any difficulties encountered during implementation should be reported to the Ministry of Health for prompt resolution and timely supplementation and amendment.