MOH vs. Provincial Department of Health: Which Authority Issues Your Medical Practice License?

Once your application dossier has been completed, the next step is determining which authority has jurisdiction to process it. In Vietnam, the licensing of healthcare professionals is administered through a decentralised system, with responsibilities shared between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the provincial Departments of Health (DOHs). Submitting an application to the wrong authority can result in delays, requiring the dossier to be withdrawn and resubmitted to the correct office.

Under Resolution No. 21/2026/NQ-CP, the authority to issue, reissue, renew, amend, suspend, and revoke medical practice licences for foreign healthcare professionals rests with the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee. In practice, the provincial Department of Health (DOH) serves as the competent authority responsible for receiving, reviewing, and advising on licence applications before they are approved by the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee.

Before submitting an application, the sponsoring clinic should verify the appropriate licensing authority based on its place of operation and regulatory jurisdiction. Filing a dossier with the incorrect authority—for example, submitting an application that falls under provincial jurisdiction to the Ministry of Health—will generally result in the application being returned, causing unnecessary delays and additional administrative work. Clinics should therefore ensure that their corporate registration and licensing information are current so that applications are submitted through the correct channel.

Determining the appropriate licensing authority is a straightforward but essential step in the application process. By confirming the correct submission authority with the sponsoring clinic’s human resources or compliance department at an early stage, applicants can help ensure a smoother review process and avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining their Vietnam medical practice licence.