Nutrition activities in hospitals play an essential role in improving comprehensive treatment quality. Based on Consolidated Document No. 16/VBHN-BYT in 2025 (consolidating the Circular prescribing nutrition activities in hospitals), this article updates core regulations on nutritional tasks and expertise that medical examination and treatment facilities need to implement.

Tasks and organization of nutrition activities

According to the current consolidated document, hard regulations on organizational structure based on bed capacity have changed (due to the abolition of Article 6 by Circular 08/2024/TT-BYT). However, professional tasks regarding nutrition in hospitals are still strictly regulated. The unit in charge of nutrition (Nutrition Department or unit) is responsible as the focal point to advise Hospital Leadership on nutrition work, and simultaneously organize examination, consulting, and nutrition treatment activities.

Additionally, the Nutrition and Drug Council in the hospital is responsible for advising the Hospital Director on clinical nutrition, dietetics, and food safety, and supervising the implementation of these regulations at clinical departments.

Regulations on clinical nutrition examination and management

Nutritional screening is the first and mandatory step. The regulation clearly states that 100% of inpatients must be screened for nutritional risk within 36 hours of admission.

Regarding the management and consultation process, the document clearly delineates responsibilities to ensure treatment effectiveness:

• For patients with nutritional risk: The attending physician is responsible for prescribing appropriate nutritional regimens and monitoring the patient’s condition during treatment.
• For patients with severe malnutrition or patients classified for level I care: This is a group requiring the attending physician to hold a consultation with a doctor working in nutrition to build an in-depth intervention plan.

Dietetics and food safety activities

Dietetics activities focus on building menus and diets suitable for pathologies. The nutrition unit is responsible for building standard menus and pathological diets based on professional guidelines of the Ministry of Health.

Regarding food safety, the document stipulates that hospitals must implement strict management from raw material import, preliminary processing, and processing to providing meals for patients. Food safety inspection and supervision must be carried out regularly to ensure meals reaching patients not only meet treatment support requirements but also ensure hygiene and safety.

Nutrition counseling and communication

Nutrition counseling work is prescribed to be implemented for inpatients and outpatients. For patients with nutrition-related pathologies, doctors and medical staff need to counsel and guide on appropriate pathological diets. In addition, hospitals need to organize health education communication on nutrition, helping patients and their families improve knowledge and cooperate well during treatment at the hospital.

Implementation responsibility

The Hospital Director is responsible for directing and investing resources in facilities, equipment, and arranging personnel to ensure nutrition activities are implemented effectively. Compliance with Consolidated Document No. 16/VBHN-BYT helps standardize nutrition activities, contributing significantly to the unit’s general medical examination and treatment quality.

Dr. Truong Hong Son – Director of the Center for Support & Continuing Education