Circular No. 39/2010/TT-BYT stipulates the standards, functions, and tasks of village health workers.

CIRCULAR

Regulations on standards, functions, and tasks of village health workers

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Pursuant to Decree No. 188/2007/NĐ-CP dated December 27, 2007 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Health;

BASED ON Decision No. 153/2006/QĐ-TTg dated June 30, 2006 of the Prime Minister approving the overall planning for the development of the healthcare system in Vietnam until 2010 with a vision to 2020;

BASED ON Decision No. 75/2009/QĐ-TTg dated May 11, 2009 of the Prime Minister stipulating the allowance regime for village health workers;

The Ministry of Health hereby promulgates the standards, functions, and tasks of village health workers as follows:

Article 1. Scope and objects regulated

1. This Circular sets forth the standards, functions, and tasks of village health workers in hamlets, villages, communes, wards, and settlements (hereinafter referred to collectively as villages).

2. The standards, functions, and tasks of community health workers in residential wards shall be implemented in accordance with this Circular.

3. This Circular does not apply to volunteers of health programs.

Article 2. Standards of village health workers

1. Having a medical qualification from the primary level upwards or having attended training courses for village health workers as prescribed by the Ministry of Health, with a minimum duration of three months.

2. Residing and working stably in the village; voluntarily participating in village health work.

3. Possessing a sense of responsibility, actively engaging in social activities, having the ability to mobilize the masses, and being trusted by the community.

Clause 4. Being in good health to perform the assigned tasks.

Article 3. Functions

Village health workers have the function of participating in primary healthcare activities at the village level.

Article 4. Tasks

1. Health education and promotion in the community:

a) Implementing health education and disseminating knowledge on health protection, environmental hygiene, and food safety;

b) Guiding measures for health care and disease prevention in the community;

c) Promoting and educating the public about HIV/AIDS prevention;

d) Mobilizing and providing information, counseling on population and family planning activities in the community.

2. Participating in professional health activities in the community:

a) Detecting, monitoring, and reporting infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, social diseases, foodborne illnesses, and food poisoning in the village;

b) Monitoring the quality of water used for drinking and daily activities, household sanitation facilities, and public places within their jurisdiction;

c) Participating in supervising food safety implementation within their jurisdiction;

d) Participating in implementing health campaigns, improving community health, and building healthy villages.

3. Maternal and child health care and family planning:

a) Mobilizing antenatal check-ups, registering pregnancy management, supporting normal delivery, and handling cases of spontaneous delivery when pregnant women cannot reach healthcare facilities in time;

b) Monitoring and guiding postpartum health care for mothers and newborns at home for the first six weeks after childbirth;

c) Guiding simple methods for monitoring and caring for children's health and preventing malnutrition in children under five years old;

d) Guiding the implementation of family planning, providing and instructing on the use of condoms and oral contraceptive pills according to the regulations of the Minister of Health.

4. Initial emergency care and common illness care:

a) Performing initial emergency care for critical cases and accidents;

b) Providing care for some common illnesses in the community;

c) Guiding the care of people with social diseases and non-communicable diseases at home.

5. Participating in health programs at the village level.

6. Mobilizing and guiding the public to cultivate and use traditional medicine at home for the prevention and treatment of common illnesses.

7. Regularly attending meetings with commune health stations; participating in training sessions organized by higher-level health authorities and self-study to enhance their qualifications.

8. Managing and using the Village Health Kit effectively.

9. Recording and promptly reporting in accordance with regulations.

Article 5. Allowances, Equipment, and Working Methods

1. Village health workers are entitled to monthly allowances in accordance with current state regulations and additional monthly subsidies (if any) from other legitimate sources as prescribed by competent authorities.

2. Each village health worker is provided with a Village Health Kit; the list includes medical equipment as prescribed by the Minister of Health.

3. Village health workers operate under a non-professional capacity in the village; they are responsible for arranging their schedules proactively to ensure the fulfillment of tasks as stipulated in this Circular and as assigned by the Commune Health Station Director.

Article 6. Work Relationships

1. Village health workers are directly managed, directed, and professionally guided by the commune health center;

2. Village health workers are managed and supervised in their activities by the People's Committee of the commune and the Village Heads;

3. Village health workers coordinate with mass organizations and social groups within their villages;

Article 7. Implementation Organization

1. The Department of Health has the responsibility:

a) To take the lead and coordinate with relevant sectors to submit to the People's Committee of the province (hereinafter referred to collectively as the Provincial People's Committee) the number, selection process, managing agency, and allowance payment for village health workers based on current laws;

b) To develop and implement plans for training, retraining, and continuous updating of medical knowledge to standardize the professional qualifications of village health workers as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular;

c) To direct and guide the integration of village health workers' activities with program volunteers to enhance the effectiveness of village health workers.

2. Based on the characteristics and actual conditions of the locality, the Department of Health shall consider submitting to the Provincial People's Committee for resolution the continuation of village health workers who currently do not meet the professional qualification requirements stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular (if any) for a certain period according to a roadmap to ensure their rights and stabilize the village health network.

Article 8. Implementation clause

1. This Circular takes effect from November 1, 2010.

2. Decision No. 3653/1999/QĐ-BYT dated November 15, 1999 of the Minister of Health regarding the functions and tasks of village health workers ceases to be effective from the date this Circular takes effect.

During implementation, if any issues arise or difficulties occur, the Departments of Health should promptly report them to the Ministry of Health for consideration and resolution within their authority./.