Tighten forensic psychiatric assessment work to prevent negative incidents from recurring.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan requested units and doctors in specialized forensic psychiatric units to tighten discipline, absolutely not let negative things happen again, and firmly uphold the principles of independence and objectivity.

According to the Ministry of Health , there are currently two forensic psychiatric institutes nationwide, including the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry in Bien Hoa. These facilities have two functions: forensic psychiatric assessment and compulsory psychiatric treatment.

The Ministry of Health said there is a serious shortage of forensic psychiatrists.

PHOTO: INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY

In addition, there are 5 regional forensic psychiatric centers under the Ministry of Health, including: Northern Mountainous Region Forensic Psychiatric Center, Central Region Forensic Psychiatric Center, Ho Chi Minh City Regional Forensic Psychiatric Center, Southwest Region Forensic Psychiatric Center, Central Highlands Region Forensic Psychiatric Center.

There are two compulsory treatment facilities under the Ministry of Health: Central Psychiatric Hospital 1 and Central Psychiatric Hospital 2; and one compulsory treatment facility under the Department of Health: Da Nang Psychiatric Hospital.

The total workforce of the forensic psychiatric industry is 819 people, including 30 forensic psychiatric examiners.

With the existing human resources, in the first 6 months of 2025, a total of 1,508 appraisals were carried out, including 605 criminal cases and 903 civil cases.

In compulsory medical treatment, the total number of people being treated as of June 30 is 457 patients, with 83 new cases. 19 cases have escaped in the past 6 months, many of which have not been traced.

Professor, Dr. Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health, assessed that the situation of absconding continues to be a worrying legal and security risk. The forensic psychiatric system and compulsory psychiatric treatment are facing serious and prolonged difficulties, especially with four major groups of problems: severe lack of human resources, especially specialized doctors; cramped, degraded, and unsynchronized facilities; limited funding; and many problems and inconsistencies in legal documents and inter-sectoral coordination.

Absolutely no negative recurrence

At a recent meeting with leaders of forensic psychiatric units, after a number of cases of incorrect psychiatric assessment results were discovered by the authorities, Deputy Minister Thuan requested that units and doctors in forensic psychiatric and treatment units tighten discipline and promote the responsibility of their leaders. Absolutely do not let negative things happen again, firmly uphold the principles of independence and objectivity.

The leaders of the Ministry of Health also requested units to promote the results achieved in expertise, seriously and effectively implement the directives and guidelines of the Ministry of Health in the fields of forensic examination, forensic psychiatry, and compulsory medical treatment.

"Maintain strict internal discipline. It is necessary to organize regular meetings, conduct surprise inspections, conduct independent assessments, encourage reporting of violations and reward groups and individuals with outstanding achievements," Mr. Thuan noted.

The leaders of the Ministry of Health also directed units to strengthen inspection and supervision of cadres and party members right at the party cells and units, especially the heads; to declare assets transparently and in accordance with regulations; to strengthen administrative procedure reform and rotation of cadres...

Previously, the leaders of the Ministry of Health sent an official dispatch to psychiatric hospitals requesting strict implementation of the Minister of Health's directive on strengthening forensic examination, forensic psychiatry and compulsory treatment.

Accordingly, heads of units, relevant collectives and individuals must take full responsibility if the above documents are issued in violation of regulations, creating conditions for subjects to take advantage of these documents to have the prosecution agencies allow the accused and convicts to undergo psychiatric examination in order to evade or reduce criminal responsibility when committing crimes.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/siet-chat-cong-tac-giam-dinh-phap-y-tam-than-khong-de-tai-dien-tieu-cuc-185251127153323341.htm