Circular No. 16/1998/TT-BYT on the importation and use of ambulance vehicles

CIRCULAR

PROVISIONS ON THE IMPORTATION, MANAGEMENT AND USE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL VEHICLES

On January 12, 1994, the Minister of Health issued Circular No. 19/BYT - TT on "Provisions for the Management and Use of Emergency Medical Vehicles." After a period of implementation, many units have not correctly carried out the importation and have not used emergency medical vehicles for their intended purposes, causing difficulties in management and adversely affecting the mission of transporting patients for emergency care.

To address these issues, the Ministry of Health stipulates the importation and use of emergency medical vehicles as follows:

I - GENERAL PROVISIONS:

1.1 An emergency medical vehicle is a specialized vehicle used in the healthcare sector, classified as medical equipment under Article 1 of Circular No. 14/1998/TT - BYT dated November 17, 1998, issued by the Minister of Health.

1.2 The importation, purchase, sale, and use of emergency medical vehicles must strictly comply with the relevant laws and regulations of the Ministry of Health.

II - MANAGEMENT AND USE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL VEHICLES:

2.1 Units authorized to use emergency medical vehicles.

a/ Hospitals, research institutes with hospital beds, centers, and emergency stations.

b/ Units under the Ministry of Health, provincial and municipal health departments directly under the central government, and health sectors requiring the use of emergency medical vehicles.

2.2 In addition to the aforementioned cases, the Ministry of Health will consider and approve the use of emergency medical vehicles in special circumstances where there is a necessary need.

III - IMPORTATION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL VEHICLES:

3.1 Enterprises engaged in direct import and trade of medical equipment, confirmed by the Ministry of Health for the importation of new emergency medical vehicles, are permitted to import such vehicles.

3.2 Imported emergency medical vehicles must be equipped with standard devices approved by the Ministry of Health based on actual conditions and advancements in science and technology.

3.3 Emergency medical vehicles may only be used for the following purposes:

- Transporting and providing emergency care to patients.

- In emergencies, they may transport medicines, doctors, healthcare personnel, and other urgent needs for disease prevention and control at locations far from hospitals.

3.4 It is strictly prohibited to use emergency medical vehicles for the transportation of goods, passengers, or other commercial services.

3.5 Emergency medical vehicles must be kept on standby at the using unit, regularly maintained and serviced according to regulations.

3.6 Units that misuse emergency medical vehicles shall bear legal responsibility.

IV - TRANSFER, SALE, AND DISPOSAL OF VEHICLES:

The transfer, sale, and disposal of emergency medical vehicles no longer fit for use must be conducted in accordance with Decision No. 1163 TC/QLCS dated December 21, 1996, issued by the Minister of Finance on "Regulations for the Disposal of Unnecessary and Non-Usable Assets in Administrative and Public Service Agencies," and Circular No. 43TC/QLCS dated July 31, 1996, on "Guidelines for the Acceptance and Transfer of Assets Between Administrative and Public Service Agencies and Economic Organizations According to Decisions of Competent Authorities."

V - EFFECTIVE DATE:

The Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Equipment and Hospital Construction is responsible for monitoring, guiding, and inspecting the implementation of this circular.

This circular takes effect fifteen days from the date of issuance and replaces Circular No. 19/BYT-TT dated November 12, 1994, issued by the Minister of Health on "Provisions for the Management and Use of Emergency Medical Vehicles." Upon receipt of this circular, the Directors of Provincial and Municipal Health Departments directly under the central government, heads of units under the Ministry, and heads of health sectors are responsible for organizing its implementation. Any difficulties encountered during implementation should be reported to the Ministry of Health (Department of Medical Equipment and Hospital Construction) for study and resolution.