The projects, long a source of public frustration due to their wastefulness, were targeted by To Lam as examples to “address one case to warn an entire region or sector.” He tasked the Government Inspectorate with clarifying causes and violations, and ensuring clear accountability.

Following Lam’s directive, within 2.5 months (January 8 to March 31), the Government Inspectorate reviewed nearly 3,000 documents, cross-referenced thousands of regulations (2004–2014), and issued inspection conclusions for both projects.

The inspection report revealed numerous violations across nearly all stages, with waste amounting to trillions of VND.

The Inspectorate transferred the files showing signs of criminal activity in the projects to the Ministry of Public Security for investigation. Three months later, the Ministry’s Criminal Investigation Agency initiated legal proceedings against five individuals linked to the projects.

Clear accountability 

Lam commended the Government Inspectorate for completing the inspection of the two projects in just 2.5 months, viewing it as a model for addressing other projects charged with waste. 

Since To Lam sounded the alarm on combating waste, the fight has gained proper recognition: it is as critical as anti-corruption efforts. This strengthens the Party’s leadership, ensures optimal state operations, and fosters change in society’s behaviors.

‘Five clears’ and a wake-up call

Deputy Inspector General Nguyen Van Cuong said that inspectors were required to implement ‘five clears’—clear causes, clear violations, clear responsibilities, clear damages, and clear waste. 

“Identifying the value of waste is a new and urgent requirement in inspecting infrastructure investment projects, reflecting society’s pressing needs,” he said.

Historically, identifying violations has always been challenging, but determining responsibility and holding individuals accountable is even harder. 

This inspection detailed who was at fault, what they did wrong, when, and how. All causes and violations were objectively and legally clarified.

The responsible organizations and individuals, their specific violations, and the extent of their accountability were transparently disclosed by the Government Inspectorate, with a no “no-entrance zone”.

This marks a significant step forward in inspection conclusions. The term “wastefulness,” long considered vague and hard to quantify, was defined with specific figures and clear accountability. The inspection estimated waste exceeding VND1,200 billion, far surpassing the roughly VND100 billion in damages.

Lessons learned 

The lessons from this inspection serve as a “wake-up call” for the pervasive waste across industries and society. Waste represents irretrievable losses and is a precursor to damage. The “clear wastefulness” conclusion reinforces Lam’s vision of equating anti-waste efforts with anti-corruption measures, a priority affirmed by the Party.

The Government Inspectorate, under the Steering Committee and the PM’s guidance, is leading thematic inspections of delayed, prolonged projects at risk of loss and waste, as well as waste prevention in the management of state-owned properties. Recently, it issued a plan to inspect 145 projects nationwide facing delays, inefficiencies, or signs of causes of loss and waste.

With the “five clears” approach, more forms of waste will be identified and clarified. Accountability, particularly for those responsible for waste in their duties, will have “no no-entrance zones.” The public is eagerly awaiting further inspection outcomes.

Key milestones in inspecting the Bach Mai and Viet Duc Hospital projects were as follows:

December 31, 2024: Lam directed the Government Inspectorate to urgently inspect the two projects.

January 8: The Government Inspectorate announced its inspection decision.

March 31: The Government Inspectorate issued its conclusions, transferring files to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), recommending criminal proceedings for both projects.

June 2: MPS issued Decision No36, initiating a criminal case for violations in managing and using state assets causing loss and waste at the Ministry of Health (MOH) and related entities.

July 7: MPS announced charges against five individuals linked to the case.

July 17: After reviewing the Central Inspection Committee’s report, the Politburo concluded that Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, during her tenure as a Central Committee member, Party Secretary, and Minister of Health, exhibited ideological, moral, and ethical decline, violating Party and state laws in her duties and anti-corruption efforts. 

July 19: The 13th Central Committee’s 12th Conference decided to expel Nguyen Thi Kim Tien from the Party.

Thu Hang