The Ministry of National Defense is drafting a decree outlining recuperation and care benefits for retired military officers diagnosed with critical illnesses. The decree also addresses information dissemination and funeral support.

The list of critical illnesses will be determined by the Minister of Health. Eligibility will be determined by a medical assessment board. The policy applies to retired generals, and retired colonels and captains who meet specific rank and position criteria.

The Ministry of National Defense proposes that eligible retired officers receive quarterly support equivalent to two months of base salary. This support would commence upon diagnosis by the medical assessment board. During hospitalization at military hospitals, they would receive the difference between the standard meal allowance and the therapeutic diet allowance provided to active-duty personnel.

Veterans and officers at the 70th Dien Bien Phu Victory Parade. Photo: *Giang Huy*

Under current regulations, retired officers receive support equivalent to one month of base salary. The Ministry of National Defense considers this insufficient given the country's economic development and the rising costs of medical treatment for critical illnesses, which pose a financial burden on retired military personnel.

To streamline the application process, the Ministry of National Defense also proposes accepting applications in person, by mail, or electronically. The processing time for all levels, including the medical assessment board, is 30 working days to ensure timely support disbursement.

The draft decree also specifies funeral support for deceased officers from the rank of colonel and below. The proposed support is 10 months of base salary (23.4 million VND) for funerals organized by units directly under the Ministry of National Defense, a threefold increase from the current amount. Units under the Ministry of National Defense, the General Staff, and the General Department of Politics at the department level and equivalent will receive eight months of base salary (18.7 million VND). Division-level units and provincial military commands will receive five months of base salary (11.7 million VND).

Son Ha