YÊN BÁI — The Department of Medical Service Administration under the Ministry of Health asked Yên Bái Province People’s Commitee to investigate an assault on doctors at the provincial maternity and pediatrics hospital.

Lương Ngọc Khuê, the department head, told the Vietnam News Agency that the department on Thursday had directed the provincial department of health and the hospital to collaborate with law-enforcement agencies to investigate the attack, tighten security at medical facilities and provide the victims with comprehensive care.

On the same day, Yên Bái Province Police announced a search for Lê Hồng Nam, 33, from Cốc Lếu District in Lào Cai City, Lào Cai Province, who was identified as leading the assault.

Any information on Nam can be reported to Yên Bái Province Police via 069-2509-375 or 0945-809-888 (investigator Trần Xuân Trường).

According to Nguyễn Văn Phong, the hospital director, Lê Hồng Nam took his wife to the hospital on February 20 for a caesarean section. After conducting a medical examination, the pregnant woman was transferred to the operating room.

“While the operation was being performed, Nam climbed on to the hospital’s balcony to record a video. When a midwife asked him to stop, Nam harassed her and threatened to beat anyone he met after the operation,” said Phong.

Phạm Hải Ninh and Hoàng Đức Trung, two doctors at the hospital, were attacked by Nam and 15 others when they stepped out of the operating room.

Upon investigation, the provincial police identified Nam as the main attacker and launched a nationwide search for him. — VNS