Illustrative photo. Source: Internet

To be a family doctor, one needs to satisfy the following conditions:

A doctor who has obtained a medical examination and treatment practice licence and has practiced family medicine before the valid date of this circular can continue his/her practice and has the responsibility to take part in training courses lasting at least three months to update themselves on the latest knowledge.

A general practitioner or clinician who has obtained a medical examination and treatment practice licence before and after the valid date of this circular can practice family medicine once he/she satisfies one of these following requirements:

- Being a resident doctor, specialist level 1 doctor, specialist level 2 doctor, master or Ph.D of family medicine.

- Having a certificate of participation of a family medicine training course which takes place for at least three months.

- Having a certificate of participation or credits of a training course including family medicine lasting a total of at least three months.

A preventive medicine doctor who is certified after the valid date of this circular who has a certificate of participation at a family medicine training course which takes place over at least three months and is allowed to practice family medicine at communal medical facilities (level 4).

This circular takes effect from October 15, 2019 and replaces circular No. 16/2014/TT-BYT issued by the Ministry of Health on May 22, 2014 on the piloting of family doctors and family doctor clinics./.