Circular No. 45/2015/TT-BYT on medical uniforms

CIRCULAR

Regulations on medical uniformspolicies

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Pursuant to DecreeNo. Decision No. 63/2012/NĐ-CP dated August 31, 2012 of the Government stipulating functions, tasks, ON limits and organizational structure, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP based on Decree No. 24/2014/ND-CP dated April 4, 2014 issued by the Governmentpolicies;

Pursuant to the proposal of the Director of the Department of Health ManagementJune 2024;The Minister of Health issues this Circular guiding the establishment of economic and technical standards for medical examination and treatment services under the management of the Ministry of Health.

The Minister of Health issues this Circular on medical uniforms.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates the color, material, style of medical uniforms for medical practitioners, workers, students at healthcare facilities, patients, pregnant women, patient's relatives (directly caring for patients), visitors, people working, and volunteers supporting patients at healthcare facilities, as well as the management and use of medical uniforms at healthcare facilities.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to:

1. State-owned and private healthcare facilities nationwide.

2. Medical practitioners; workers, students at healthcare facilities, patients, pregnant women, patient's relatives, visitors, people working, and volunteers supporting patients at healthcare facilities.

3. Other healthcare facilities may use appropriate medical uniforms based on the conditions, nature of work, and professional requirements, according to the provisions of this Circular.

Article 3. General Provisions on Medical Uniforms

1. Medical uniforms include: shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, shoes, hats, and name badges.

2. Criteria for medical uniforms:

a) Ensuring safety for patients and users;

b) Convenient for wearing and performing professional tasks;

c) Reflecting tradition and distinctiveness of the healthcare sector;

d) Material should be wrinkle-resistant, easy to wash, iron, disinfect, absorb sweat, and suitable for the climate;

đ) Style and color should be harmonious, friendly, simple, modern, elegant, discreet, aesthetically pleasing, and appropriate for the job and profession;

e) Clearly identifiable for different user groups and specialized areas.

3. Medical uniforms shall not bear Red Cross symbols that violate laws on Red Cross activities.

Chapter II

MEDICAL UNIFORMS OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS,

TREATMENT PROVIDERS, WORKERS, STUDENTS,

APPRENTICES, AND STUDENTS

AT HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Article 4. Uniforms for Doctors

1. Shirts:

a) Color: White;

b) Style: Danton collar shirt with buttons down the front, length reaching the knees, long-sleeved or short-sleeved, three pockets in front, badge button on the left chest, back split to the waist level.

2. Pants:

a) Color: White;

b) Style: Two-pocket straight-leg pants, men's pants have one back pocket.

3. Hats:

Color: Matching the shirt color;

Article 5. Uniforms for Nurses, Midwives, and Medical Technicians

1. Shirts

a) Color: White;

b) Style:

- Two-collar shirt with buttons down the front, long-sleeved or short-sleeved, length reaching the hips, two pockets in front, badge button on the left chest;

- Shirt pockets, sleeves, and collar have blue borders, width 0.5 cm.

2. Pants:

a) Color: White;

b) Style: Two-pocket straight-leg pants, men's pants have one back pocket.

3. Dresses:

a) Color: White;

b) Style:

- Two-collar dress, long-sleeved or short-sleeved, skirt length 5 cm to 10 cm below the knee, three pockets in front, badge button on the left chest.

- Dress pockets, sleeves, and collar have blue borders, width 0.5 cm.

4. Hats:

Color: Matching the shirt or dress color;

Article 6. Uniforms for technicians, bachelor's degree holders, engineers, and other professional positions working in clinical and paraclinical departments at medical examination and treatment facilities.

1. Shirts

a) Color: White;

b) Style: Two-buttoned collar shirt, buttoned down the middle, long-sleeved or short-sleeved, with a length reaching the hips, three pockets in front, and a name badge button on the left chest.

2. Pants:

a) Color: White;

b) Style: Two-pocket straight-leg pants, men's pants have one back pocket.

3. Hats:

Color: Matching the shirt color;

Article 7. Uniforms for pharmacists

1. Shirts

a) Color: White;

b) Style: Two-buttoned collar blouse, buttoned down the middle, long-sleeved or short-sleeved, with a length reaching the knees, three pockets in front, a name badge button on the left chest, and a back slit to the hip level.

2. Pants:

a) Color: White;

b) Style: Two-pocket straight-leg pants, men's pants have one back pocket.

3. Hat

Color: Matching the color of the shirt.

Article 8. Uniforms for surgical areas, anesthesia recovery units, and personnel working in sterilization centers

1. Uniforms for surgery departments, anesthesia recovery units, and personnel working in sterilization centers

a) Shirt:

- Color: Duck blue;

- Style: Heart-shaped collar, pull-over style, short-sleeved, with a length reaching the hips, three pockets in front, and a name badge button on the left chest.

b) Pants:

- Color: Duck blue;

- Style: Two-pocket European-style pants, with a back pocket for men.

c) Hat:

Color: Matching the color of the shirt.

2. Special uniforms for operating rooms

a) Shirt:

- Color: Duck blue;

- Style: Long-sleeved surgical coat, with a length extending 5-10 cm below the knee, elastic cuffs 6 cm wide, and a tie at the back.

b) Pants:

- Color: Duck blue;

- Style: Drawstring pants without pockets.

c) Hat:

Color: Matching the color of the shirt.

The head of the medical examination and treatment facility shall decide on the use of single-use surgical uniforms based on these provisions and actual conditions at the facility.

Article 9. Uniforms for nutrition staff

1. Shirts:

a) Color: White;

b) Style: U-neck shirt, buttoned down the middle, long-sleeved or short-sleeved, with a length reaching the hips, three pockets in front, and a name badge button on the left chest.

2. Pants:

a) Color: White;

b) Style: Two-pocket straight-leg pants, men's pants have one back pocket.

3. Hats:

Color: Matching the shirt color;

4. For food preparation staff, an apron without a collar, with two straps, a length reaching the knees, and tied at the back.

Article 10. Uniforms for nursing assistants, health workers, and laundry staff

1. Shirts:

a) Color: Peace blue;

b) Style: Heart-shaped collar shirt, buttoned down the middle, long-sleeved or short-sleeved, with a length reaching the hips, two pockets in front, and a name badge button on the left chest.

2. Pants:

a) Color: Peace blue;

b) Style: Two-pocket straight-leg pants, men's pants have one back pocket.

3. Hats:

Color: Matching the shirt color;

Article 11. Uniforms for receptionists, administrative staff, and cashiers

1. Shirts:

a) Color: Light colors;

b) Style: Collared shirt, buttoned down the middle, long-sleeved or short-sleeved. Female staff are encouraged to wear traditional ao dai.

2. Pants for men, or skirts for women:

a) Color: Dark colors;

b) Style: Two-pocket straight-leg pants, men's pants have one back pocket.

3. Jacket: Depending on specific conditions, the head of the medical examination and treatment facility may specify the use of jackets.

a) Color: Dark colors;

b) Style: Two-buttoned collar, three pockets in front, back slit, inner lining, and a name badge button on the left chest.

4. The head of the medical examination and treatment facility shall determine the uniform color for receptionists, administrative staff, and cashiers for consistent use within the unit.

5. For receptionists: Wearing a blue armband on the left sleeve or diagonally across the body, 10 cm wide, with the phrase "RECEPTIONIST" printed on it.

Article 12. Uniforms for security staff

1. Shirts:

a) Color: Gray or dark navy blue or black;

b) Style: Collared shirt, buttoned down the middle, with shoulder epaulets, long-sleeved or short-sleeved, with pleats or cuffs at the sleeves, two covered pockets, and a name badge button on the left chest.

2. Pants:

a) Color: Matching the color of the shirt;

b) Style: Two-pocket European-style pants, with a back pocket.

3. Coat:

a) Color: Gray;

b) Style: K-collar coat, buttoned down the middle, with two diagonal covered pockets in front, four buttons, shoulder epaulets, and a name badge button on the left chest.

4. A matching kepi hat.

5. The head of the medical examination and treatment facility shall determine the uniform color for security staff for consistent use within the unit.

6. In cases where the medical examination and treatment facility hires a security company, the head of the facility shall coordinate with the security company regarding the uniforms used in the hospital.

Article 13. Uniforms for medical equipment technicians, biomedical engineers, maintenance staff, and emergency vehicle drivers

1. Shirts:

a) Color: Dark blue;

b) Style: Button-down shirt with Mandarin collar, front button closure, long or short sleeves, cuffs with pleats or cuffs, shoulder straps, two front pockets with flaps, name badge on the left chest

2. Pants:

a) Color: Dark blue;

b) Style: Two-pocket European-style pants, with a back pocket.

3. Coat:

a) Color: Dark blue;

b) Style: K-collar coat, buttoned down the middle, with two diagonal covered pockets in front, four buttons, shoulder epaulets, and a name badge button on the left chest.

Article 14. Uniforms for students and trainees

1. Students studying at healthcare facilities under which professional title shall use uniforms corresponding to the relevant profession as stipulated in this Chapter.

2. On the shoulder strap of the shirt, there is a blue stripe measuring 4 x 10 cm.

Chapter III

UNIFORMS FOR PATIENTS AND PREGNANT WOMEN

Article 15. Uniforms for patients

1. Shirts:

a) Color: Light blue or white background with light blue stripes or dark patterns on a light background;

b) Style: Long-sleeved pajama-style shirt with a V-neck, front button closure, hemline at hip level, three front pockets.

2. Pants

a) Color: Same as the color and pattern of the shirt;

b) Style: Long-sleeved pajama-style pants with drawstring waist, one back pocket.

3. The head of the healthcare facility shall select and specify the color and pattern of patient uniforms based on Point a Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article for consistent use within the facility.

4. For pediatric patient uniforms: The head of the healthcare facility shall specifically define pediatric patient uniforms for consistent use within the facility.

Article 16. Uniforms for critically ill patients

1. Color: Light blue or white background with light blue stripes or dark patterns on a light background;

2. Style: Long-sleeved shirt with round neck, hemline extending 5 to 10 cm below the knee, tied at the back.

3. The head of the healthcare facility shall select and specify the color of critically ill patient uniforms based on this Article for consistent use within the unit.

Article 17. Uniforms for pregnant women

1. Shirts:

a) Color: Light blue, pink, or light background with dark patterns;

b) Style: Long-sleeved shirt with round neck, front button closure, straight cut, hemline extending below the hips.

2. Skirt:

a) Color: Same as the color of the shirt;

b) Style: Detachable skirt with drawstring waist, hemline extending 20 cm below the knee.

3. One-piece dress:

a) Color: Light blue, pink, or light background with dark patterns;

b) Style: Long-sleeved dress with round neck, front button closure, fitted bodice with gathers at the waist, hemline extending 5-10 cm below the knee.

4. The head of the healthcare facility shall select and specify the color of pregnant women's uniforms based on Point a Clause 1 and Point a Clause 3 of this Article for consistent use within the unit.

Chapter IV

UNIFORMS FOR PATIENTS' FAMILY MEMBERS, VISITORS, WORKERS, AND VOLUNTEERS ASSISTING PATIENTS AT HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Article 18. Uniforms for patients' family members

1. Color: Light yellow;

2. Style: Round-necked shirt with front button closure, long sleeves, hemline extending 5-10 cm below the knee, three front pockets, center back slit to hip level.

Article 19. Uniforms for visitors and workers

Visitors and workers at specialized departments of healthcare facilities shall use uniforms similar to those of doctors as stipulated in Article 4 of this Circular.

Article 20. Uniforms for volunteers assisting patients

Volunteers assisting patients at healthcare facilities shall wear a blue blazer.

Article 21. Uniforms for Social Insurance staff working at medical facilities

Social Insurance staff working at medical facilities shall use uniforms according to the guidelines of the Vietnam Social Security after reaching consensus with the Ministry of Health, but such uniforms must be distinct from those specified in this Circular.

Article 22. Uniforms for other subjects

The uniforms for other subjects performing tasks at medical facilities shall be determined by the head of the medical facility.

Chapter V

OTHER ATTIRE

Article 23. Masks and gloves

Masks and gloves used during professional operations shall comply with Decision No. 3671/QD-BYT dated September 27, 2012, of the Minister of Health on approving guidelines for infection control.

Article 24. Footwear

Shoes or backstrap sandals must have closed toes, flat soles not exceeding 3 cm in thickness, anti-slip features ensuring easy movement, and must not produce noise when walking.

Article 25. Name badges for medical practitioners and workers at medical facilities

1. General provisions:

a) Name badges serve as tools to identify the position, title, academic rank, and degree of each medical practitioner and worker at medical facilities;

b) Name badges must include the name of the medical facility managing and using medical practitioners and workers; their photograph, full name, position or job title, academic rank, and degree; badge number; and license number for those required to hold a license;

c) Name badges shall be made of paper laminated with plastic or solely of plastic material.

d) Background color of the name badge: Peace blue

2. Sample of name badge: The name badge is rectangular, measuring 50mm wide and 90mm long, with the following information printed on its surface:

a) Name of the superior agency of the medical facility directly employing medical practitioners and workers (first row): uppercase letters in Times New Roman font, size 12, bold, yellow text;

b) Name of the medical facility directly employing medical practitioners and workers (second row): uppercase letters in Times New Roman font, size 12, bold, yellow text;

c) Academic rank, degree, full name of the medical practitioner or worker (third row): uppercase letters in Times New Roman font, size 14, bold, black text;

d) Position of the medical practitioner or worker (fourth row): uppercase letters in Times New Roman font, size 12, bold, black text;

đ) A sample photo measuring 3 x 4 cm of the person to whom the name badge is issued placed at the lower left corner of the name badge;

g) The logo of the medical facility directly employing medical practitioners and workers placed at the upper left corner of the name badge (if the medical facility has a logo);

3. Position for wearing name badges: Name badges for medical practitioners and workers at medical facilities shall be worn on the left chest using a pin.

4. Wearing regulations for name badges: Medical practitioners and workers at medical facilities must wear name badges while performing their duties.

Article 26. Cards for students, trainees, visitors, and workers at medical facilities

1. Cards are used to identify students, trainees, visitors, and workers at medical facilities.

2. The cards of students, trainees bear the inscription "STUDENT" with the seal of the medical facility.

3. The cards of visitors and workers bear the inscription "VISITOR" with the seal of the medical facility.

4. Medical facilities lend cards to students, trainees, visitors, and workers for use during their study, practice, visits, or work at the medical facility.

Chapter VI

MANAGEMENT AND USE OF MEDICAL ATTIRE

Article 27. Issuance, Provision, and Borrowing of Medical Attire

1. For medical practitioners and workers at medical facilities:

a) They shall be issued a complete set of attire upon initial issuance, including:

- Four sets according to weather conditions;

 - Hats: issued with the uniform or dress;

- One pair of shoes or one pair of back-strap sandals;

- One name tag;

- One sash for reception staff.

b) From the second year onwards, they shall be issued a minimum of two sets annually and one pair of sandals or back-strap shoes.

c) The head of the medical facility shall select attire in accordance with this Circular, suitable for local weather conditions.

d) Usage period: Uniforms and dresses must not be used beyond two years from the date of issuance. The head of the medical facility decides on the issuance of new attire if the current ones are damaged, torn, or lost before the end of the usage period.

e) Reception staff's sashes shall be replaced when damaged, torn, or faded.

2. Patients, patient relatives, and visitors at medical facilities may borrow attire for use during their medical treatment, visit, or work at the medical facility.

3. Students and trainees shall equip themselves with attire.

4. For volunteers: The head of the medical facility shall decide on providing attire based on specific unit conditions for volunteers to use while supporting patients at the medical facility.

Article 28. Use of Medical Attire

1. Medical practitioners, workers, trainees, students, and trainees must use medical attire in accordance with the provisions of this Circular when performing tasks.

2. It is prohibited to use medical attire for purposes other than those specified, for unauthorized individuals, or outside medical facilities except in emergency situations, home health care, or voluntary and humanitarian medical services as prescribed by law.

Article 29. Preservation of Medical Attire

1. Medical practitioners, workers, trainees, and students have the responsibility to maintain and use medical attire that remains clean and presentable; they are not allowed to wear wrinkled, old, torn, buttonless, or discolored attire.

2. Within two years from the effective date of this Circular, hospitals at the district level and above must organize centralized washing and ironing of medical attire for medical practitioners, workers, visitors, patients, and patient relatives (excluding administrative units). Other facilities are encouraged to organize centralized washing and ironing if they meet the necessary conditions. The process is carried out as follows:

a) Uniforms, shirts, dresses, and skirts for medical practitioners, workers, visitors, and patients must be changed and washed regularly to ensure cleanliness.

b) Attire for staff working in areas such as surgery departments, delivery rooms, intensive care units, or infection zones must be changed and washed daily or immediately when soiled.

c) Attire for infection zones must be washed separately.

3. Departments, offices, and units within medical facilities must have storage cabinets or racks for medical attire.

4. Trainees, students, and trainees studying or practicing at medical facilities are responsible for changing and washing their own attire.

Article 30. Responsibility for Managing Name Badges

1. The head of a medical examination and treatment facility directly employing medical practitioners and workers shall be responsible for managing the name badges of medical practitioners and workers under their unit's jurisdiction:

a) Implementing the issuance and replacement of name badges for medical practitioners and workers to use in performing their duties;

b) Recovering the name badges of medical practitioners and workers in the following cases: resignation or change of workplace, position, or job title.

2. Responsibilities of medical practitioners and workers in managing and using name badges:

a) Managing and using name badges in accordance with the provisions of this Circular; not lending name badges in any form;

b) Reporting to the competent authority if they lose or damage their name badge to request a new issuance or replacement;

c) Returning their name badge to the previous workplace when transferred, reassigned, or seconded to another organization, and requesting a new name badge from the new workplace;

d) Requesting a new name badge when changing job titles or positions;

e) Retaining their own name badge after retirement, provided that the name badge management authority has cut a corner or punched a hole in it.

Chapter VII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 31. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from January 1, 2016.

2. Repeal Decision No. 2365/2004/QĐ-BYT dated July 8, 2004 of the Minister of Health on the issuance of the Medical Uniform Regulations from the date this Circular takes effect.

Article 32. Transitional Provisions

Medical uniforms that have been contracted and completed; medical uniforms that have been equipped for medical practitioners and workers and other subjects at medical examination and treatment facilities before the effective date of this Circular but do not comply with the medical uniform specifications set out in this Circular may continue to be used after the effective date of this Circular but not exceeding twenty-four months from the date of issuance or provision to users.

Article 33. Cross-referencing Provisions

In case the referenced documents in this Circular are replaced or amended, the amended or replaced documents shall apply.

Article 34. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Department of Medical Examination and Treatment shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to be responsible for guiding and organizing inspections and audits of the implementation of this Circular.

2. Directors of Health Departments of provinces and centrally-administered cities, heads of health sectors shall be responsible for guiding and organizing inspections and audits of the implementation of this Circular for medical examination and treatment facilities under their jurisdiction.

3. The head of a medical examination and treatment facility shall be responsible for implementing this Circular at the facility.

Relevant organizations and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

Any difficulties encountered during implementation should be promptly reported to the Ministry of Health (Department of Medical Examination and Treatment) for research and resolution./.