Buzz
1. Increased Monthly Allowance for Veterans
Starting from October 25, 2016, Circular 130/2016/TT-BQP, which adjusts the monthly allowances for military personnel and those working in classified defense sectors, comes into effect. This includes those who have been discharged, retired, or left the service. The updated allowances, effective from January 1, 2016, are calculated based on December 2015's rates plus 150,000 VND. The monthly allowances are set as follows:
- From 15 to 16 years of service: 1,535,000 VND
- From 16 to 17 years: 1,605,000 VND
- From 17 to 18 years: 1,674,000 VND
- From 18 to 19 years: 1,743,000 VND
- From 19 to 20 years: 1,812,000 VND
2. Standardized Healthcare Service Charges under Health Insurance
A recent Ministry of Health directive has standardized healthcare service fees across all hospitals of the same tier nationwide, effective from October 1. The directive clarifies payment protocols for emergency patients. If treatment lasts more than 4 hours, patients will be charged for inpatient care, including bed fees, medication, and technical services, but not the consultation fee. For treatment under 4 hours, patients will pay for consultation, medications, and technical services, but not for inpatient bed charges. Additional guidelines on payment for outpatient care at district health centers and local clinics have also been provided, including cost coverage for medical services based on the hospital's tier.
3. New Guidelines for Salary and Allowance Classification
Starting from October 10, 2016, Decree 121/2016/NĐ-CP introduces a pilot program for managing labor and salaries within the Military Telecommunications Corporation for the 2016-2020 period. The regulation applies to the parent company, its subsidiaries, and those companies where the parent company holds more than 50% of the equity. The decree also specifies salary and allowance classifications that must adhere to Decrees 204/2004/NĐ-CP, 52/2016/NĐ-CP, and 49/2013/NĐ-CP, along with further guidance from the Ministry of Defense.
4. Leave Entitlements for Professional Soldiers
Circular 113 from the Ministry of Defense, which outlines the leave entitlements for professional soldiers, defense workers, and civil servants, will take effect from October 8, 2016. It states that the annual leave for military personnel and defense staff is 20 days for those with less than 15 years of service, 25 days for those with 15 to 25 years of service, and 30 days for those with over 25 years of service. Personnel stationed far from their families are given additional leave: those stationed 500 km or more away or on islands like Spratly will receive 10 extra days. Personnel stationed between 300 km and 500 km, in remote or border areas, or with a location allowance between 0.5 and 0.7, are entitled to 5 extra days of leave each year.
5. Bonus for Military Athletes Achieving Outstanding Results
Circular 138 from the Ministry of Defense, which sets bonuses for military athletes and coaches participating in the National Sports Games, will take effect from October 27. According to this regulation, athletes who achieve success at national and international sports events will receive the following bonuses: 50 million VND for gold medals at world and Asia competitions, 75 million VND for gold medals at World Games, 25 million VND for gold at Southeast Asian Games, 25 million VND for national championships, 10 million VND for the Military Sports Games, and 7.5 million VND for the Armed Forces Sports Competitions.
