Attacks on health workers in Vietnam raise alarm over hospital safety

Dr Ha Anh Duc, director general of the Department of Medical Service Administration, said violence in hospitals stems from multiple causes. With nearly 200 million patient visits annually nationwide and major hospitals handling tens of thousands daily, medical staff face immense workloads.

Hospital safety concerns have again been raised following the recent knife attack at Nghệ An Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital, in which several people, including patients’ relatives and healthcare workers, were injured.

On October 23, while caring for his premature twin babies in the hospital’s Neonatal Department, a man named Bàn Văn Vỹ stabbed two patients’ relatives, endangering the life of another newborn.

When medical staff intervened to stop Vỹ from throwing a baby out of the window, he turned the knife on them.

Among the victims, a nurse suffered the most severe injuries, with wounds to her arteries.

Thanks to prompt emergency care at the hospital, her condition has stabilised, while other victims sustained soft-tissue injuries.

Police in Nghệ An Province have since detained the suspect for investigation.

Recently, another assault occurred at Nghệ An Friendship General Hospital, where a patient’s relative attacked a nurse in the Emergency Department.

After doctors examined and explained the patient’s condition, they instructed the family to complete hospital admission procedures.

A nurse was processing the documents and asked the relative to wait outside as per hospital regulations.

However, the person refused to comply, verbally abused and threatened the nurse, then slapped her in the face, causing her glasses to fall and resulting in swelling, dizziness and psychological trauma that required treatment.

Security guards and police were called in for assistance.

Earlier, at Thanh Ba Medical Centre in Phú Thọ Province, a father assaulted medical staff while they were trying to save his injured child after a traffic accident.

Despite the obstruction, doctors continued resuscitation until the child stabilised.

The father later apologised publicly after being summoned by police.

According to the Ministry of Health, since early this year there have been six reported cases of medical staff being assaulted while performing their duties.

The incidents have become increasingly violent.

These attacks not only threaten hospital security but also undermine morale and mental well-being among healthcare workers while sparking public outrage.

Strengthening hospital security

Dr Hà Anh Đức, director general of the Department of Medical Service Administration, said violence in hospitals stems from multiple causes. With nearly 200 million patient visits annually nationwide and major hospitals handling tens of thousands daily, medical staff face immense workloads.

From the perspective of medical workers, they should be trained on how to behave reasonably, as both patients and their relatives are often in a state of anxiety when sick, he said.

However, assaults on healthcare workers while they are saving lives are unacceptable. Most violent incidents occur in high-risk departments such as Emergency or Intensive Care. Despite threats, doctors and nurses continue their duty, as seen in the cases in Phú Thọ and Nghệ An, where medical staff protected patients even while being attacked, he said.

Minister of Health Đào Hồng Lan said although the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment strictly prohibits violence against healthcare workers, such incidents persist and seriously jeopardise safety in hospitals. The ministry is reviewing all security measures, particularly in sensitive units such as emergency, neonatal and psychiatric departments.

Following the Nghệ An attack, the Ministry of Health sent an official dispatch to the Ministry of Public Security, calling for strengthened protection at hospitals.

The ministry requested increased police coordination, technical solutions such as surveillance and alarm systems linked directly to local police, and regular joint security drills, especially in high-risk departments.

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Public Security have had a coordination mechanism for ten years, but immediate enforcement still faces challenges.

Dr Đức said that while many hospitals have implemented security measures, response speed and coordination remain critical.

He added that better infrastructure, service quality and technology integration can help reduce tensions. Quick law enforcement response and strong media coverage of cases like the Nghệ An incident have also helped deter future violence.

“Healthcare workers need a safe working environment to fully devote themselves to saving lives. Their highest mission is to restore patients’ health, so we hope patients and families will show understanding and cooperation to help create a safe, respectful environment for both sides,” he said.

Viet Nam News – October 31, 2025