Trần Văn Thuấn, the Deputy Minister of Health in Vietnam, is facing serious allegations that could lead to disciplinary action. The Central Inspection Committee has announced that Thuấn has committed violations that have resulted in significant consequences, adversely affecting the reputation of the Communist Party and the government.

On September 7, the Central Inspection Committee concluded its 12th meeting, where it was determined that Thuấn had experienced a decline in political ideology, ethics, and lifestyle. He was found to have violated party regulations and state laws in the execution of his duties, particularly in combating corruption and waste.

These violations have been deemed serious enough to warrant disciplinary measures. One day prior, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính temporarily suspended Thuấn from his roles as Deputy Minister of Health and Chairman of the National Medical Council until further notice.

Thuấn was previously indicted and detained by the Anti-Corruption Police Department on September 2 for accepting bribes. This case is linked to the Vietnam-American Medical Investment Corporation, where the former Chairman Bùi Chân Phương and two subordinates were also detained for smuggling and serious accounting violations.

The investigation revealed that Phương had established and managed companies in Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong to inflate prices of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals before importing them to Vietnam. This practice not only led to significant financial losses for the state but also compromised the rights of patients.

During the importation of medical equipment, Phương allegedly exploited import permits issued by the Ministry of Health to declare accompanying devices, thereby unlawfully bringing additional equipment into Vietnam.

At 56 years old, Thuấn is a professor of medicine and a leading expert in oncology in Vietnam. He has over 20 years of clinical experience and has held various significant positions, including Director of K Hospital and Head of the National Cancer Institute. He has served as Deputy Minister of Health since April 2020, overseeing several critical health sectors.