Post by : Shakul
Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense has provided clarity on the health certification and legal requirements for citizens aspiring to join the nation’s Militia and Self-Defense Force. The announcement follows inquiries from a citizen, Huynh Nhat, regarding his qualification due to severe congenital myopia in both eyes.
According to the Department of Militia and Self-Defense, the regulations stem from the 2019 Law on Militia and Self-Defense Forces and recent amendments under Law No. 98/2025/QH15. The ministry specified that all eligible citizens must meet multiple criteria before inclusion in the militia.
Officials highlighted that participants in the Militia and Self-Defense Force are required to have a clean personal history, adhere to governmental policies, and possess adequate health to fulfill militia obligations. The government underlined that health standards play a crucial role in the selection process, as militia members may be called upon for defense, security, emergency responses, and local assistance.
Per Circular No. 84/2025/TT-BQP, citizens must acquire a health certification from a commune-level medical establishment or higher prior to militia service acceptance. This excludes those with serious physical disabilities, substance dependencies, HIV/AIDS, severe deformities, or those lacking physical fitness. For permanent militia roles, candidates must meet health classifications 1, 2, or 3, as defined by provincial health authorities.
In Huynh Nhat’s case, who reported congenital myopia of 15 degrees in one eye and 9.25 degrees in the other, the ministry indicated that eligibility cannot solely depend on vision data. Instead, an official medical examination must be conducted at a recognized health facility. The results will be reviewed by the commune-level People’s Committee chairman, who determines the citizen’s fitness for militia participation.
Authorities noted that commune-level People’s Committees and heads of organizations bear legal responsibilities regarding militia membership obligations per Vietnamese law. The process aims to ensure fairness and accurate medical assessments of each citizen’s capacity to undertake militia responsibilities.
The government reiterated that militia and self-defense forces are vital to Vietnam’s national defense framework. These forces contribute to local security, disaster response, social stability, and emergency coordination. Thus, maintaining health standards among members is essential for operational readiness and public safety.
Officials added that the updated regulations, introduced through revised circulars, are part of larger reforms designed to enhance administrative processes and bolster local defense management within Vietnam’s two-tier local governance system. The Ministry of National Defense affirmed that recruitment and health certification must adhere to established legal and medical standards.
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