Former Deputy Health Minister to be tried on May 12 for role in fake medicine case
A first-instance trial will start on May 12 on former Deputy Health Minister Truong Quoc Cuong and 13 other defendants involved in the case relating to the trading of counterfeit medicines labelled as Health 2000 Canada; the lack of responsibilities causing serious consequences; and the abuse of positions and power while on duty, which took place in HCM City, some other localities and at the DAV, according to the Hanoi People’s Court.
Former Deputy Health Minister Truong Quoc Cuong (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – A first-instance trial will start on May 12 on formerDeputy Health Minister Truong Quoc Cuong and 13 other defendants involved inthe case relating to the trading of counterfeit medicines labelled as Health 2000 Canada; the lack of responsibilities causing serious consequences; and the abuse of positions and power while on duty, which took place in HCM City, some other localities and at the DAV, according to the Hanoi People’s Court.
In this case,Cuong and two other defendants – Nguyen Viet Hung, former deputy director ofthe Health Ministry’s Drug Administration (DAV); and Le Dinh Thanh, a former officialof Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department - were charged with lack ofresponsibility causing serious consequence.
Two former officials of the DAV – Pham Hong Chau and Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy – areaccused of abusing positions and power while on duty.
Meanwhile, nine defendants, including six executives and employees of VN Pharmacompany, two from H&C International Maritime Trading Co. Ltd and a formerdirector general of the SaigonPharmaceutical Company, are charged with trading counterfeit medicine.
Accordingto the verdict of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, as head of the DAV from 2007to 2016, Cuong failed to fulfil his responsibility in supervising andinspecting the work of experts in assessing and granting licencesfor seven kinds of drugs, leading to the approval of dossiers for theimport and consumption of the six out of the seven counterfeitdrugs, labelled Health 2000, in Vietnam with a total value of over 148billion VND.
Afterthe drugs were imported and consumed in Vietnam, althoughhe received information about the suspected origins of the drugs, Cuongdid not give direction to stop their circulation, or recall anddestroy the drugs. As a result, domestic medical establishments continuedto use supplied counterfeit drugs labelled Health 2000 Canada withoutclear origins to treat patients at a total value of over 3.7 billion VND.
Meanwhile, former DAV deputy director Hung did not perform properly his assigned tasksand duties thus failing to detect and stop wrongdoings of his subordinates inassessing and licensing the drugs./.
Deputy Health Minister Truong Quoc Cuong and 13 others are facing charges for their role in ing counterfeit cancer medicines labelled as Health 2000 Canada, according the new indictment issued by the Supreme People’s Procuracy.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of the country’s goal of having the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.
Throughout its 80-year history, the VNA has remained at the forefront of information dissemination. It has consistently delivered timely, accurate, and objective reports on both domestic and international events, serving the Party’s leadership, the State’s management, and the public’s demand for official news.
With strong support from local authorities, businesses, organisations, and residents, the province has successfully built or repaired 10,707 homes for disadvantaged households, including war veterans, families of martyrs, ethnic minority people, and low-income residents.
Throughout its resistance against colonialists and imperialists, Vietnam developed a revolutionary press that has served as a benchmark for just and legitimate causes worldwide.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
Former Deputy Health Minister Truong Quoc Cuong (Photo: VNA) 
