# Appellate trial begins for Vietnam hospital project case

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-hospital-project-mismanagement-trial
> Updated: 2026-09-24T10:12:06.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

The Supreme People's Court in Hanoi commenced the appellate trial on September 25 for former Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien and nine other defendants. The case involves violations in the management and use of state assets during the construction of second facilities for Bach Mai Hospital and Viet Duc Hospital in Ninh Binh, which reportedly caused losses exceeding 803 billion VND.

Nguyen Thi Kim Tien was absent from the proceedings as she is receiving inpatient treatment at Thong Nhat Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. She has filed an appeal seeking a suspended sentence and a reduction in her civil liability. Records indicate that she has already fulfilled the 108 billion VND compensation requirement mandated by the first-instance verdict. Similarly, defendant Nguyen Doan Tu has completed his 29 billion VND financial obligation and has also requested leniency through his appeal.

During the proceedings, the prosecution recommended a sentence reduction of six months to one year for Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, though officials noted she is ineligible for a suspended sentence because her original six-year term exceeds the legal threshold. Other defendants, including Le Thanh Thiem—the only individual convicted of fraud—are also seeking leniency. Thiem, sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to return 2 million USD, cited personal health issues and family contributions as grounds for a reduction. The prosecution has proposed various sentence reductions for other co-defendants involved in the projects.

In a development regarding the case, Bach Mai and Viet Duc hospitals have submitted documents to the court requesting leniency for the defendants, citing the “critical importance” of the hospital expansion projects for public healthcare in northern Vietnam.

## Claims

- Former Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien requested an appeal for a suspended sentence and reduced compensation. (disputed by 6 sources)
- The prosecution stated Nguyen Thi Kim Tien is ineligible for a suspended sentence. (disputed by 2 sources)
- The Supreme People's Court in Hanoi opened an appeal trial on September 25 for 10 defendants. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Nguyen Thi Kim Tien was absent from the appeal trial due to inpatient treatment at Thong Nhat Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The original verdict sentenced Nguyen Thi Kim Tien to 6 years in prison for violating regulations on state asset use. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The case involves irregularities at the second facility projects of Bach Mai Hospital and Viet Duc Hospital. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Nguyen Thi Kim Tien has completed the 108 billion VND compensation required by the first-instance verdict. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The prosecution recommended reducing Nguyen Thi Kim Tien's sentence by 6 months to 1 year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Nguyen Doan Tu has completed his 29 billion VND financial obligation. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Bach Mai and Viet Duc hospitals submitted documents requesting leniency for the defendants. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Le Thanh Thiem is the only defendant convicted of fraud. (single source)
- Le Thanh Thiem was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to return 2 million USD. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Nguyen Thi Kim Tien appeal trial begins in Hanoi

Former Vietnamese Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien and nine others are facing an appeal trial regarding hospital project irregularities. Prosecutors recommend a reduced sentence but deny a suspended term.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vnh-phc-counterfeit-milk-trial-disputes-140000-bribe

### 2026-09-22: Nguyen Thi Kim Tien to face appellate trial over hospital project mismanagement

Former Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien will face an appellate trial in Hanoi on September 25 regarding hospital project mismanagement that caused over 803 billion VND in state losses.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nguyn-th-kim-tin-faces-appeal-trial-in-hospital-project-corruption-case

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Cite as: Appellate trial begins for Vietnam hospital project case. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-hospital-project-mismanagement-trial