Accordingly, implementing the Directive 16/CT-TTg dated March 31^st on applying urgent measures to prevent and control COVID-19, including social distancing to prevent the epidemic from spreading in the community, the Ministry of Health requires localities and units to carry out telemedicine through information technology applications as specified in the Circular 49/2017/TT-BYT dated December 28, 2017, as follows:

- Medical facilities shall promote telemedicine and home health care; the upper level health facilities are responsible for assisting the lower ones and counseling for people in the area.

- Health facilities shall continue to utilize software have been used by the units; or to access on the information technology application platforms guided by the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Ministry of Health. The implementation must ensure compliance with the law on medical examination and treatment and other relevant regulations. The safety and the confidentiality of people’s and patients’ information and must be guaranteed according to the law.

The Ministry of Health assigns the Information Technology Department to give detailed guidance to the local units in order to facilitate their performance. May any difficulties or problems arise during the process, please contact the Ministry of Health (the Information Technology Department) for help.

The Official Letter 2416/BYT-IT was issued on April 30^th, 2020.