Dr. Tuan, an associate professor, is the head of the psychiatry department at Hanoi Medical University and director of the Institute of Mental Health at Bach Mai Hospital. He received the third-class labor order last year.

Hanoi Medical University recently received a complaint accusing Dr. Tuan of concealing a past disciplinary action and falsifying achievements in 2022 to receive a commendation, which then qualified him for the labor order. Following the complaint, Dr. Tuan submitted a request to the Central Emulation and Commendation Council (Ministry of Home Affairs) and the Ministry of Health to withdraw the order.

In his request, Dr. Tuan explained that his department's secretary had assisted with the application. He said that due to a busy schedule and trust in his staff, he signed the application without thoroughly reviewing it. The application mistakenly included an incorrect assessment of his party affiliation and omitted a disciplinary reprimand issued to the institute's leadership at Bach Mai Hospital in 7/2022 due to an employee's misconduct at the Institute of Mental Health.

"According to the regulations, I do not meet the criteria for the third-class labor order. Therefore, I submit this request to apologize and ask for the withdrawal of my labor order," Dr. Tuan stated.

Associate Professor Nguyen Van Tuan. Photo: *Bach Mai Hospital*

In response to VnExpress on the evening of 16/9, associate professor Dao Xuan Co, director of Bach Mai Hospital, confirmed the incident. However, he said, "Dr. Tuan's misrepresentation of his accomplishments in the award application was not intentional deception, but rather a minor mistake and oversight."

Dr. Co praised Dr. Tuan's ethics and expertise in mental health.

The 2022 incident involving the Institute of Mental Health at Bach Mai Hospital concerned the prescription of supplements. At the time, the hospital had strict regulations regarding prescriptions for medications and supplements. Those involved were disciplined, and Dr. Tuan, as a leader, received a reprimand.

Following Dr. Tuan's request, the Ministry of Health has submitted a report to the prime minister to consider and request the president's decision on withdrawing the third-class labor order.

Le Nga