Ho Chi Minh City Proposes Monthly Aid of VND 20 Million for Doctors Rotating to Local Clinics

Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Health has proposed a monthly special allowance ranging from VND 12 million to VND 20 million for doctors rotating from higher-level hospitals to basic healthcare facilities and local clinics. This proposal, submitted to the municipal People's Committee, aims to bolster the grassroots healthcare system. The proposed monthly support includes up to VND 20 million for professors, associate professors, PhD holders, or those with a second-level specialist degree (CKII). Doctors undergoing residency or holding a first-level specialist degree (CKI) would receive VND 17 million, while doctors without a specialty would get VND 12 million. For nurses, midwives, medical technicians, and pharmacists with a university degree or higher, the allowance would be VND 10 million, and VND 8 million for those with a college degree. Personnel rotating to particularly challenging areas, such as Thanh An island commune, would receive 1.2 times the standard rate, amounting to VND 9.6-24 million monthly. For Con Dao special administrative-economic zone, the multiplier is 1.5, potentially reaching up to VND 30 million per month for the highest-qualified individuals. To qualify for this policy, healthcare workers must complete a continuous rotation of at least two months and receive confirmation of task completion from the receiving facility. For incomplete months, the allowance will be calculated based on the actual days worked. The Department of Health explained that the proposal addresses the immense pressure on the grassroots healthcare network and the shortage of specialized doctors. Currently, 168 local health stations in the city are responsible for the healthcare of approximately 14.5 million residents, in addition to their regular duties, they are also tasked with creating electronic health records and managing non-communicable diseases. The city requires approximately 1,046 additional doctors across various specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and odonto-stomatology. Health officials believe that increasing these allowances will incentivize healthcare professionals, especially those with high qualifications, to participate in rotations to local facilities. This would improve access to healthcare services for residents in their communities and reduce the need for transfers to higher-level hospitals. The estimated annual budget for this policy is up to VND 108 billion, supporting approximately 1,300 healthcare personnel rotations. If approved by the City People's Council in its September session, the resolution is expected to take effect from October 1, 2026, through the end of 2030. Previously, Ho Chi Minh City concluded a four-year pilot program that sent young doctors to practice at local health stations. The city is now developing new policies to ensure a sustainable supply of specialized personnel for grassroots facilities. The Department of Health also plans to assign doctors from higher-level hospitals to serve as directors of local health stations for 3-5 year terms.