Ho Chi Minh City cracks down on sidewalk encroachment at major hospitals

A task force composed of Cho Lon Ward Police, Minh Phung Ward Police, Cho Lon Traffic Police, and other local units launched an operation targeting sidewalk encroachment at the two hospitals.

This marked the third consecutive day of unannounced inspections and enforcement actions against street vendors occupying the sidewalks surrounding major hospitals.

The enforcement campaign on Monday was part of a plan to maintain security, order, and urban aesthetics inside and around the hospitals.

In preparation, Cho Lon Ward Police had been conducting public awareness campaigns since September 20 to discourage street vending and encourage hospital visitors not to support such activities.

After surveillance cameras revealed continued violations, authorities launched the unannounced operation.

At Cho Ray Hospital, sidewalk encroachment had visibly decreased following days of enforcement, with no signs of vendors occupying the roadway on Monday evening.

However, in Minh Phung Ward, some vendors waited for periods without police presence to bring out their carts and set up their shops. Authorities confiscated multiple pushcarts and banh mi carts during the operation.

Thanks to the joint enforcement plan between wards, authorities were able to efficiently handle violations at ward borders, preventing offenders from fleeing from one jurisdiction to another.

At Hung Vuong Hospital, several tables and chairs placed on the road for selling goods were seized. Makeshift tarpaulin canopies illegally attached to the hospital walls were also ordered to be dismantled immediately.

As of now, Cho Lon Ward Police have confiscated 15 hand-pushed carts, over 40 sets of tables and chairs, 10 umbrellas, and various bowls and dishes from vendors occupying sidewalks around hospitals.

Authorities fined the operator of a motorcycle parking lot near the University Medical Center VND12.5 million (US$473.2) for temporarily using the roadway or sidewalk for purposes other than traffic without a permit.

According to Cho Lon Ward Police, illegal street vending, crowding, and unauthorized motorbike parking lots blocking hospital entrances have obstructed ambulance operations.

These violations not only reflect a lack of legal compliance but also pose serious risks to emergency medical services.

To ensure thorough enforcement, Cho Lon Ward Police have installed surveillance cameras to immediately respond when sidewalk encroachment is detected.

Authorities have been committed to strict enforcement.

Vendors will be fined VND2–3 million ($76-114) for unauthorized use of sidewalks for food service businesses. Illegal parking lot operators face fines of VND10–15 million ($379-568).

These hefty fines aim to serve as a deterrent and prevent the recurrence of sidewalk encroachment around hospitals.