The Ministry of Health in Vietnam has issued a directive to provincial health departments regarding the ongoing appointment of key medical positions, including head nurses, midwives, and medical technicians. This initiative aims to ensure that these essential roles are filled until formal job allocations are made according to the new employment position regulations.

The Ministry's decision comes in response to requests from several localities seeking clarification on how to determine job positions and appoint individuals to these critical roles. The head nurse, head midwife, and head medical technician positions are vital for executing healthcare tasks as stipulated by the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment.

Due to the unique nature of these medical positions, which do not have separate allowances, the Ministry has decided to apply leadership allowances as per the guidelines set forth in Circular No. 6/2024/TT-BYT, issued on May 16, 2024. This circular outlines the ranking of healthcare units concerning these leadership roles.

Furthermore, the new Civil Servant Law, effective from July 1, 2026, introduces a fundamental change in the management model for civil servants, shifting the focus from job titles to job positions for recruitment, allocation, evaluation, and management purposes.

On June 26, 2026, the government enacted Decree No. 232/2026/NĐ-CP, which specifies job positions for civil servants, listing head midwives, head nurses, head medical technicians, and head pharmaceutical technicians as part of the specialized job positions in the healthcare sector. These roles are categorized under professional levels ranging from level 3 to level 5.

Until the relevant authorities finalize the job position allocations and corresponding ranks as per Decree No. 232/2026/NĐ-CP, localities are instructed to continue appointing and reappointing individuals to the positions of head midwife, head nurse, head medical technician, and head pharmaceutical technician, applying the appropriate leadership allowances.

The Ministry of Health is also working on proposals to amend and supplement job positions and workforce numbers at health stations. Currently, the Ministry is gathering feedback from various ministries and health departments on a draft to amend certain provisions of Circular No. 03/2023/TT-BYT, which guides job positions, staffing norms, and the structure of civil servants in public healthcare units.