This new regulation, Decree 90/2026 from the Government on administrative penalties in the health sector, takes effect from 15/5. Under this decree, individuals who commit acts harming the life or health, insulting the honor or dignity of doctors, nurses, and medical staff, or damaging healthcare facility property, may face fines ranging from 30 to 40 million dong.

In recent years, hospitals have experienced increasing pressure, with medical staff facing heavy workloads and frequent exposure to mental and physical violence from patients' relatives. Numerous incidents of doctors being threatened or attacked directly in emergency rooms have raised concerns about occupational safety and the potential for direct impacts on treatment quality.

The Ministry of Health reports that most assaults on medical professionals occur at provincial-level healthcare facilities, with 70% of those attacked being doctors and 15% nurses. Some doctors have sustained lifelong injuries or even lost their lives.

In 2025, six cases of medical staff being assaulted were reported nationwide. The most recent incident occurred at Benh vien San nhi Nghe An, where a female nurse was stabbed 11 times, including four chest wounds that severed two branches of the subclavian artery. The Ministry of Health described this incident as "the last straw and a wake-up call," warning that violence against medical staff will continue without stronger measures.

In addition to financial penalties, the Ministry of Health has proposed that the National Assembly add regulations for criminal prosecution of individuals who attack medical staff during examinations or treatment. This aims to protect healthcare professionals and ensure a safe hospital environment.

A man assaulting and strangling a doctor at Benh vien Nhan dan Gia Dinh in 2022. *Photo from hospital emergency room camera*.

Furthermore, the act of publishing information that assigns responsibility to medical practitioners or healthcare facilities before official conclusions are reached by competent authorities is also subject to severe penalties. This regulation aims to curb the spread of one-sided information and prevent public incitement following medical incidents that have not been fully verified.

Le Nga