Decision number 31, announced on 6/1 by the Ministry of Health, clarifies that citizens will not need to carry or provide paper copies if their information is fully integrated into the national electronic identification application (VNeID).

Under the new regulation, medical facilities and administrative agencies must utilize this digital data to process records and procedures for citizens. This requirement aims to realize the "use data instead of paper" policy, reducing the burden of paperwork and promoting digital transformation in the healthcare sector.

Citizens receiving medical examination at Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital, 7/2025. Photo: Quynh Tran

Electronic health record data on VNeID comprises four information groups: administrative, medical history, medical examination and treatment, and a medical record summary.

The administrative information group contains the full name, personal identification number, health insurance card, and initial medical examination and treatment registration location. The medical history group records illnesses, allergies, and vaccination history, including vaccine type, time, and injection location. The medical examination and treatment information group updates treatment episodes from admission, diagnosis, and test results to procedures and surgeries performed. Finally, the medical record summary includes disease progression, treatment methods, prescriptions, and re-examination schedules.

Medical facilities link and digitally sign all the aforementioned data for authentication, ensuring it holds legal value equivalent to paper copies.

To ensure rights and transparency, patients or their legal representatives can access and download health records in PDF format directly from the application. Ha Anh Duc, Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management, assessed this decision as a step forward in administrative reform. He affirmed that the exploitation and sharing of information comply with the Law on Personal Data Protection, ensuring user safety and privacy.

The Ministry of Health requires all hospitals and clinics to complete data linkage to VNeID before 2026. Relevant localities and ministries also need to restructure processes and upgrade technology infrastructure to synchronize and effectively utilize this data source nationwide.

Le Nga