Circular 31/2024/TT-BYT stipulates standards and quotas for the use of specialized motor vehicles in the healthcare sector issued by the Minister of Health.

CIRCULAR

REGULATIONS ON THE DETERMINATION OF STANDARDS AND QUOTAS FOR THE USE OF SPECIAL-PURPOSE MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE HEALTH SECTOR

Pursuant to the Law on Management and Use of State Assets dated June 21, 2017;

Pursuant to Decree No. 72/2023/NĐ-CP dated September 26, 2023 of the Government on standards and quotas for the use of motor vehicles;

Pursuant to Decree No. 95/2022/NĐ-CP dated November 15, 2022 of the Government on functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Health;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Planning and Finance;

The Minister of Health issues this Circular detailing and guiding the determination of standards and quotas for the use of special-purpose motor vehicles in the health sector.

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular details the determination of standards and quotas for the use of special-purpose motor vehicles in the health sector as stipulated at points a, b, and c of Clause 1, Article 16 of Decree No. 72/2023/NĐ-CP dated September 26, 2023 of the Government on standards and quotas for the use of motor vehicles (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 72/2023/NĐ-CP).

Article 2. Standards and Quotas for Ambulances

1. Ambulance Standards: Ambulance standards are determined according to Article 2 of Circular No. 27/2017/TT-BYT dated June 28, 2017 of the Minister of Health on ambulance standards and usage.

2. Ambulance Quotas:

a) For healthcare facilities, ambulance quotas are determined based on the number of beds authorized by the competent authority. Specifically as follows: - Less than 50 beds: Maximum 01 vehicle; - From 50 beds to less than 100 beds: Maximum 02 vehicles; - From 100 beds to less than 200 beds: Maximum 03 vehicles; - From 200 beds to less than 300 beds: Maximum 04 vehicles; - 300 beds and above, for every additional 150 beds, an additional quota of 01 vehicle is allowed.

b) For individuals, agencies, or units with emergency service functions: Determining the quota for ambulance usage is based on needs, population size, geographic location, serving as the basis for reporting to the agency or person with authority as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 17 of Decree No. 72/2024/NĐ-CP for approval, ensuring alignment with needs and investment efficiency, and vehicle usage.

c) For agencies or units performing tasks within the preventive health sector, or units providing vaccination services: Maximum 01 vehicle.

d) For agencies or units not operating in the health sector but required to use ambulances: Maximum 01 vehicle.

Article 3. Standards and Quotas for Special-Purpose Motor Vehicles with Unique Structures Used in the Health Sector and Special-Purpose Motor Vehicles Equipped with or Using Dedicated Equipment for Health Activities

1. Standards:

a) Special-purpose motor vehicles with unique structures used in the health sector as stipulated in point b, Clause 1, Article 16 of Decree No. 72/2023/NĐ-CP are vehicles equipped with medical machines and equipment that serve specialized health work, usually non-detachable, manufactured by the manufacturer. The standard for medical machines and equipment installed on the vehicle is in accordance with the manufacturer's regulations for medical machines and equipment.

b) Special-purpose motor vehicles equipped with or using dedicated equipment for health activities as stipulated in point c, Clause 1, Article 16 of Decree No. 72/2023/NĐ-CP are vehicles equipped with or attached to equipment by agencies, organizations, or units with specific needs to serve their professional activities in the health sector. The standard for medical machines and equipment installed on the vehicle is in accordance with the manufacturer's regulations for medical machines and equipment. Examples include vehicles equipped with examination and treatment kits; oxygen tanks, electroencephalogram machines, cerebral blood flow monitors, electrocardiogram machines; sample collection kits, insulated boxes, sample testing kits, inspection equipment; ultra-low volume insecticide sprayers, cold fogging machines, chemical storage tanks, disinfection machines.

2. The determination of quotas for special-purpose motor vehicles with unique structures used in the health sector and special-purpose motor vehicles equipped with or using dedicated equipment for health activities is based on the following factors:

a) Functions, tasks, and powers approved by the competent authority;

b) Organizational structure and scale of operations approved by the competent authority in the Charter of organization and operation; development plans (if any), and the unique characteristics of health agencies or units;

c) Scope and geographical area of operation and population size;

d) Quantity and frequency of use of each type of special-purpose motor vehicle at the time of determining the quota and projected needs for each type of special-purpose motor vehicle over the next three years. In cases where new agencies or units are established, only the projected needs for each type of special-purpose motor vehicle over the next three years need to be considered.

Article 4. Effective date

1. This Circular takes effect from December 23, 2024.

2. Circular No. 07/2020/TT-BYT dated May 14, 2020 of the Minister of Health on detailed guidance for determining standards and quotas for the use of special-purpose motor vehicles in the health sector ceases to be effective from the date this Circular takes effect.

Article 5. Reference Provisions

In cases where legal normative documents cited in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, they shall be applied according to the amended, supplemented, or replaced legal normative documents.

Article 6. Transitional Provisions

Decisions on standards and quotas for the use of special-purpose motor vehicles in the health sector issued before the effective date of this Circular remain applicable if they comply with the provisions of this Circular without requiring re-approval and if the unit does not have a need to change the quota. During implementation, if there are difficulties or obstacles, please report to the Ministry of Health for timely guidance and resolution.

During implementation, if there are difficulties or obstacles, please report to the Ministry of Health for timely guidance and resolution./.