Thanh Nhan Hospital faces criticism after woman left paraplegic post‑Caesarean

Nguyen Thi Thuet M, a 28‑year‑old woman, underwent an elective Caesarean section at Thanh Nhan Hospital in Hanoi on 15 April 2026. After a 30‑minute surgery she received epidural analgesia. The following morning she suddenly lost movement in both legs. Hospital staff initially told the family the paralysis was a side effect of the anesthetic, saying “the effect of the drug will gradually wear off.” Over 24 hours later the hospital administered an antidote and performed an MRI.

The family transferred her to Bach Mai Hospital, where doctors diagnosed spinal cord inflammation and nerve‑root injury linked to the anesthesia. More than three months of treatment and rehabilitation have not restored her ability to walk independently. Thanh Nhan Hospital has provided 50 million VND in assistance but has not given a clear explanation of the cause or a long‑term support plan. The hospital formed a specialist panel to review the surgery, anesthesia and postoperative care; the panel reported no evidence of direct technical error. The family is calling on the Hanoi Health Department to investigate further.