A costly lesson from the assault on a doctor at Hospital 115.

(Baonghean) - "I am very sorry," "I deeply regret it"... these are the words of those involved in the assault on a doctor at the 115 General Hospital in Nghe An.

Impulsive behavior

On the evening of August 18, 2017, an incident occurred at the 115 General Hospital in Nghe An where a doctor was assaulted in the emergency room. In this incident, authorities determined that Mr. Nguyen Dinh Hoang Thang (Director of Tan Thang Construction Joint Stock Company) had committed administrative violations, including: "Making insulting remarks that damaged the honor and dignity of others"; "causing disorder in the hospital"; and "harming the health of others".

However, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Huan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Trung Do Ward (Vinh City), was present at the incident. Out of concern for the health and life of his relative, upon arriving at the Emergency Department of Hospital 115, Mr. Huan, after hearing others' comments, misunderstood the doctor's negligence and slow response, leading to his angry and agitated reaction. He then realized his mistake and intervened to stop Mr. Thang from assaulting the patient.

115 General Hospital in Nghe An - where the assault on the doctor took place. Photo: Thanh Chung

According to Mr. Pham Van Long, Deputy Director of 115 General Hospital, where the incident occurred: "It's sad because a small matter was handled poorly and 'disregarded' by individuals, leading to resentment after the incident."

Images of Mr. Huan holding a chair and pointing in front of the emergency room at Hospital 115 subsequently appeared in the media and on social networks, causing public outrage.

Although Mr. Nguyen Xuan Huan did not physically assault the doctor and nurse, and even intervened and helped restore order, his earlier agitated and hot-tempered attitude was inappropriate and created negative public opinion, adversely affecting the reputation and character of a cadre and Party member.

After his unrestrained behavior and words, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Huan (wearing a white short-sleeved shirt) intervened to stop the assault on the doctor - Image taken from a video clip.

A costly lesson

Mr. Tran Quang Dai, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Trung Do Ward, who has worked with Mr. Huan for many years, said: "Personally, I believe Mr. Huan's actions were impulsive, lasting only a few seconds, and he quickly regained his composure to intervene. If Mr. Huan had been calmer, this unfortunate incident would not have happened... I am very saddened to consider disciplining Mr. Huan, because he is inherently a person with good morals and high responsibility. He is a promising young official, with innovative ideas in administrative reform, such as recently implementing the 'community camera' model which has been adopted by many other wards and communes... Through this incident, the Party Committee of Trung Do Ward has conducted a serious review of Mr. Huan's conduct and drawn lessons for many other comrades."

In his personal self-assessment regarding the incident, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Huan stated: "As an official and a Party member, I realize that I have not fully fulfilled my responsibilities as an official and Party member. My handling of the situation was inappropriate and lacked composure. I did not thoroughly investigate the matter, was easily swayed by one-sided reports, leading to momentary anger and leaving a negative impression that has affected my personal reputation and the reputation of the organization."

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Huan explains his impulsive actions - Photo: PV

Mr. Huan also expressed his regret: “If only I had been more alert and calm at that time, and hadn't followed Mr. Thang with the chair, things would have been completely different, and I wouldn't have made such a regrettable mistake. This was a misstep that shouldn't have happened... The incident was a huge lesson for me. In my position, I should have been calmer and acted appropriately in that situation, avoiding negative consequences for myself and the organization.”

Following this incident, the Vinh City Party Committee directed the City Party Committee's Inspection Commission to investigate. The Vinh City Party Committee's Inspection Commission has requested the Trung Do Ward Party Committee to direct and implement the following: “Serious self-criticism regarding personal shortcomings and self-imposed disciplinary measures corresponding to the offenses committed. From the above incident, draw lessons learned for yourself in your capacity, role, and responsibility as the head of the grassroots government. Set an example in work style, conduct, and behavior in communication and handling work according to assigned duties and responsibilities. Seriously implement the conclusions pointed out after the self-criticism according to Central Resolution 4 (11th and 12th Congresses) and promptly rectify shortcomings and weaknesses in conjunction with the implementation of Directive No. 05-CT/TW dated May 15, 2016, of the Politburo. Strengthen the management of Party members, pay attention to monitoring the exemplary role of cadres and Party members in their work, daily life, and public conduct to promptly educate and prevent violations.”

This is a lesson for many, especially for cadres and Party members, about the importance of exemplary conduct at all times and in all places, upholding the responsibility of a Party member, and avoiding impulsive emotions that could damage their reputation and character, only to later lament, "If only I had been calmer, this wouldn't have happened!"

Duc Dung-Thanh Son