The Ministry of Health's guidelines for periodic health check-ups for children under 24 months in Vietnam in 2024

The Ministry of Health's guidelines for periodic health check-ups for children under 24 months in Vietnam in 2024 (Image from the internet)

On August 1, 2024, the Minister of Health issued the professional document “Guidelines for periodic health check-ups for children under 24 months in Vietnam” along with Decision 2246/QD-BYT.

The Ministry of Health's guidelines for periodic health check-ups for children under 24 months in Vietnam in 2024

The target users of the guidelines are:

+ Officers directly involved in organizing and conducting periodic health check-ups for children.

+ Officers involved in inspection, monitoring, and technical support for periodic health check-ups for children.

The purpose is to assess the comprehensive development of children under 24 months of age, identify abnormalities in physical, mental health, and comprehensive development, thereby providing timely handling or intervention to reduce risks and the burden of diseases.

The Guidelines detail the preparation for periodic health check-ups for children under 24 months as follows:

(1) Planning and informing about the check-up

- The Health Station prepares a quarterly plan for periodic health check-ups for children in the area, sends it to the District Health Center and the Commune People's Committee (Appendix 7 - Plan Form). If manpower support from the District Health Center is needed, the Commune Health Station should clearly state it in the plan. Additionally, cooperate with local authorities and community organizations to promote the importance and purpose of periodic health check-ups for children.

- The Health Station notifies parents about the check-up 2-3 days before it is organized (Appendix 9 - Information sheet about periodic health check-ups for children under 24 months). Do not invite more than 30 children in one session to ensure quality and effectiveness.

- Based on actual conditions, the locality may conduct the periodic health check-up for children under 24 months separately or combine it with the expanded immunization session.

(2) Guidance on manpower

- Arrange manpower for a check-up team as follows:

+ 01 doctor. In cases where the Health Station does not have a doctor, the District Health Center will send a doctor to assist the Commune Health Station. If a doctor cannot be provided, assign 01 physician with over 3 years of experience to participate in the check-up.

+ 02 healthcare workers (nurses, midwives, or public health workers).

+ The staff participating in the check-up must be trained or briefed on the contents of the periodic health check-up according to these guidelines.

+ Volunteer students from local medical training schools; village health workers; village midwives, etc. can be mobilized to assist with welcoming and guiding parents and children to the check-up tables.

- Based on the actual condition of healthcare personnel and the number of children to be checked, the Health Station can arrange one or more check-up teams in one session.

(3) Guidance on arranging the check-up area, manpower, and equipment

- Waiting area:

+ Arrange a minimum of 30 waiting chairs, with shelter. During summer, provide electric fans per the local situation; in winter, arrange an indoor waiting area, or if outdoor, provide wind shelter sheets.

+ Drinking water.

+ Prepare communication equipment and materials (if any).

- Check-up area:

+ Arrange check-up tables:

If combined with the immunization session: Arrange a minimum of 03 check-up tables for 01 check-up team.

If not combined with immunization: Arrange a minimum of 02 check-up tables for 01 check-up team.

- Equipment and tools for check-up:

+ Table (with tablecloths), chairs.

+ Children's examination bed.

+ Examination tools: weight scales; lying height measuring ruler; stethoscope; mercury or electronic thermometer; ENT examination kit; reflex hammer.

+ A toy set to check mental and motor development.

+ Children's health records (kept at the health station); Mother and child health monitoring booklet (if any).

More details can be found in Decision 2246/QD-BYT which takes effect in Vietnam from August 1, 2024.

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