The Health Ministry of Vietnam has taken action to address concerns regarding the rapid issuance of health certificates by private clinics in the Mekong Delta region. On September 14, the Department of Health Management issued a directive to the Health Departments of Can Tho City and Dong Thap Province, urging them to swiftly verify reports that some private clinics are issuing health certificates for job applications at an alarming speed.

According to the Department, several media outlets have reported that certain clinics in the Mekong Delta are completing the health examination process in as little as 20 minutes, yet the certificates issued bear all the necessary specialist signatures. This has raised red flags about the validity and thoroughness of these examinations.

The Health Ministry has requested that the directors of the Health Departments in Can Tho and Dong Thap conduct a thorough investigation into these claims. They are to check all related incidents and take strict action against any violations of the law. Furthermore, the Ministry has mandated that both local health departments publicly disclose the results of their investigations and any actions taken.

In addition to the investigations, the Ministry has emphasized the need for increased monitoring of health examination facilities. It has instructed local health authorities to ensure that all clinics comply with legal regulations regarding health examinations. Clinics are also required to publicly display a hotline number on their websites, ensuring they are available 24/7 to address inquiries and concerns related to health examinations.

Health facilities must report any changes to their operational details, such as location, examination times, personnel, contracts, and equipment, to the relevant authorities. The Ministry has also urged local health departments to regularly update the list of accredited health examination facilities on their websites, providing accessible links for organizations and the public to easily verify this information.

Moreover, the Health Departments of Can Tho and Dong Thap are encouraged to collaborate with local media, government agencies, and law enforcement to promptly detect and address any deliberate violations of health examination regulations. They are required to report their progress and findings back to the Health Ministry by September 18.

This investigation comes in response to growing concerns about the integrity of health examinations for job applications, particularly in light of reports indicating that some examinations are being conducted hastily and superficially.