Decision No. 2088/BYT-QĐ promulgating the "Ethical Code"

 Pursuant to …;

regarding the issuance of the "Medical Ethics Regulations""

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH

Pursuant to Decree No. 68/CP dated October 11, 1993 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Health.

At the proposal of the Director of the Treatment Department, Ministry of Health;

Pursuant to …;

Article 1.- We hereby issue with this decision the "Medical Ethics Regulations" (standards of ethics for medical workers) to be applied to all medical practitioners including foreign medical practitioners working in Vietnam.

Article 2.- This Decision shall take effect from the date of signature. Those who comply well with the Medical Ethics Regulations will be rewarded according to the general system of the State, while violators will be dealt with according to the provisions of the law.

Article 3.- The Heads of the Office, Inspectorate, Treatment Department, Departments of the Ministry of Health, Director of the Vietnam Drug Administration, Heads of units under the Ministry, health sectors, healthcare facilities, Directors of Provincial Health Services under central cities and those specified in Article 1 are responsible for implementing this Decision.

MEDICAL ETHICS REGULATIONS

(STANDARDS OF ETHICS FOR MEDICAL WORKERS)
(Issued together with Decision No. 2088/BYT-QD dated November 6, 1996 of the Minister of Health)

Medical ethics is a noble quality of medical workers, manifested in high sense of responsibility, devoted service, wholehearted care for patients, treating their pain as if it were one's own, as taught by President Ho Chi Minh: "Medical personnel must be like mothers." They must be honest, united, overcome difficulties, study and strive to improve their professional skills to fulfill their duties, and wholeheartedly build the foundation of Vietnamese medicine. Medical ethics must be reflected through recognized ethical standards and principles.

1\. Providing health care to everyone is a noble profession. Once voluntarily joining the medical ranks, one must strictly adhere to the teachings of Uncle Ho. One must have a high sense of conscience and responsibility, love the profession deeply, constantly cultivate and enhance the moral qualities of a doctor. Continuously study and actively research science to improve professional expertise. Be ready to overcome all hardships for the cause of caring for and protecting people's health.

2\. Respect the law and strictly implement professional regulations. Without permission from the Ministry of Health and consent from the patient, one may not use patients for experimental diagnostic, treatment, or scientific research methods.

3\. Respect the right of the people to seek medical care. Respect the privacy of patients; when examining and caring for them, ensure confidentiality and propriety. Pay attention to patients who are entitled to social benefits. Do not discriminate against patients. Do not have a patronizing attitude, abuse the profession, or cause inconvenience to patients. Be truthful in settling medical examination and treatment expenses.

4\. When interacting with patients and their families, always maintain a warm and attentive attitude; attire must be neat and clean to instill confidence in patients. Explain the condition of the illness to patients and their families so they can cooperate in treatment; inform them about policies, rights, and obligations of patients; encourage and support patients to treat and exercise to recover quickly. In cases of serious illness or poor prognosis, one must do everything possible to save and care for them until the end, while informing the family of the patient.

5\. During emergency care, diagnose and treat promptly without delaying the patient.

6\. Prescribe medication appropriately based on diagnosis and ensure rational and safe drug usage; do not prescribe substandard drugs or drugs that do not meet the requirements and severity of the disease for personal gain.

7\. Do not leave one's post during duty hours; monitor and respond promptly to any changes in the patient's condition.

8\. When discharging patients, provide thorough instructions, guide them on continuing treatment, self-care, and maintaining health.

9\. When a patient dies, show deep sympathy, offer condolences, and assist the family in necessary procedures.

10\. Be honest, united, respect colleagues, honor seniors, willingly share knowledge, learn from each other's experiences, and help each other.

11\. If one has shortcomings, one must acknowledge responsibility without blaming colleagues or previous levels.

12\. Actively participate in health education and epidemic prevention work, rescue and treat injured and sick people in the community; set a good example in practicing hygiene, keeping the environment clean and tidy.