Wife of Former Vietnam Mental Health Institute Director Charged with Bribery Over Staff Transfers

The Hanoi police investigation into the Central Institute of Mental Health has recommended prosecution of 57 suspects, including Dang Thi Hoa, the wife of former institute director Tran Van Truong. Hoa is accused of repeatedly accepting cash and gifts to intervene in personnel assignments, such as arranging online nursing courses for four staff members and moving several physicians between departments.

Prosecutors say the alleged mastermind, Nguyen Thi Mai Anh, transferred 100 million VND to Hoa and later provided a 51.5 million‑dong electric scooter and a 28.5 million‑dong three‑wheel vehicle as rewards. Additional cash, amounting to 198 million VND, was allegedly handed to other officials through concealed deliveries. The scheme also involved allowing Hoa’s children and household helpers to stay in a treatment room, an arrangement that required approval from the Ministry of Health.

Investigators noted that the interference began in April 2024 and that the former director expressed concerns about safety and procedural precedent. The case highlights alleged corruption within Vietnam’s public health system.