The Ministry of Health in Vietnam has taken decisive action to reform the process of issuing health check certificates, particularly in the Mekong Delta region. This initiative follows reports from various media outlets that some private clinics are providing these certificates with alarming speed, raising questions about the thoroughness of the health assessments.

On September 14, 2026, the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management sent an urgent letter to the Health Departments of Can Tho City and Dong Thap Province. The letter requests immediate verification of the media claims and calls for a comprehensive inspection of the clinics involved. The Ministry is determined to address any violations of health regulations and ensure that the issuance of health certificates is conducted in accordance with legal standards.

According to the directive, the Ministry has emphasized the importance of monitoring and supervising the facilities authorized to conduct health checks. It has mandated that these facilities must publicly display their contact information on their websites, ensuring that they are accessible for inquiries and complaints related to health check activities.

Reports indicate that some private clinics are conducting health checks in a cursory manner. For instance, in Can Tho, a reporter posing as a job seeker underwent a health check that lasted only about 20 minutes, primarily involving blood pressure measurements and a brief oral examination. Despite the superficial nature of the check, the certificate issued bore multiple signatures from various specialists.

In another case in Dong Thap, a clinic charged 120,000 VND for a health check where a doctor administered medication to lower elevated heart rate and blood pressure before issuing a certificate stating the individual was 'fit for work.' These practices appear to contravene the requirements outlined in Circular 32/2023/TT-BYT, which mandates comprehensive health assessments.

The Ministry of Health has urged local authorities to conduct unannounced inspections of private medical facilities to combat practices that exploit patients and undermine public health. The Ministry is also seeking reports from the Health Departments of Can Tho and Dong Thap regarding the progress and outcomes of their investigations by September 18, 2026.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the integrity of health services in Vietnam, particularly as the demand for health checks continues to rise in job applications.