HA NOI — Violations in the fields of preventive medicine and environmental protection and a lack of action on HIV/AIDS campaigning will lead to warnings and fines, according to the draft decree written by the Ministry of Health.

The decree will come into effect from August 1, after amendments.

Ministers, heads of government organisations and chairmen of provincial, municipal People's Committees are responsible for implementing the decree.

Under the regulations, individuals or families found leaving litter will be fined from VND50,000 (US$2.6) to VND500,000 ($26.3).

People found littering offices, hospitals, schools, kindergartens and other public places will face fines from VND500,000 ($26.3) to VND1million ($52.6).

Meanwhile producers of domestic goods and toys that can harm users face fines from VND2 million ($105) to VND5 million ($263). Selling untreated medical waste to recycling factories will draw stiffer penalties. Fines will range from VND5 million ($263) to VND10 million ($526).

Every company will have to organise health checks for employees before recruiting them and make sure a healthy work environment is maintanied by installing waste treatment facilities. Firms lacking these facilities will be fined from VND1million ($52.6) to VND10 million ($526).

In the field of preventive medicine, those avoiding quarantine rules or failing to get rid of infected animals will be fined from VND1million-5 million ($263-526).

A higher fine of VND15 million-20 million ($789-1,052) will be levied for obstructing the investigation of disease-infected areas.

A lack of implementation regarding HIV/AIDS campaigns will lead to fines of VND3 million-9 million ($157-$263).

Unauthorised breaches of confidentiality regarding people living with HIV/AIDS willlead to the highest fine of VND20-40 million ($1,052-2,104). — VNS