Phu Tho Provincial Vice Chairman Expelled from Communist Party Over Corruption Charges

The Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam has decided to expel Nguyen Huy Ngoc, Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee and former Director of the Provincial Department of Health, from the Party. The decision was made based on the Central Inspection Committee's proposal, concluding that Ngoc had committed serious violations of Party regulations and state laws in his official duties. The Secretariat determined that Ngoc had degenerated in political ideology, morality, and lifestyle, violating regulations related to his assigned responsibilities, anti-corruption efforts, and ethical conduct expected of Party members. These violations resulted in severe consequences, causing public discontent and negatively impacting the prestige of Party organizations, the locality, and his working unit. Consequently, the Secretariat decided to expel Ngoc from the Party and requested relevant authorities to implement timely administrative sanctions in conjunction with the Party disciplinary measures. On September 10, Ngoc and Dr. Le Dinh Thanh Son, Director of Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital, were arrested and detained by the Investigation Agency on Corruption, Economic Crimes, and Smuggling (C03) of the Ministry of Public Security on charges of receiving bribes. According to the Ministry of Public Security, both are accused of "receiving large sums of money" as bribes. C03 is expanding its investigation to clarify the roles and actions of the accused and involved parties, while also working to recover assets for the state. Nguyen Huy Ngoc, 56, has spent most of his career in Phu Tho's healthcare sector. He previously served as head of department, deputy director, and director of the Provincial General Hospital, followed by 11 years as Deputy Director and Director of the Provincial Department of Health. In October 2024, Ngoc was elected Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee. By the end of 2025, he was appointed Professor in the field of Medicine.