Continued Use of Malfunctioning Medical Equipment for Hundreds of Patients Raises Grave Concerns: Health Ministry Report
The Central Highlands General Hospital in Vietnam is currently under scrutiny following the discovery of a broken laser lithotripsy machine, which has been in use since 2015. The machine, essential for treating 255 patients, showed signs of reduced capacity by the end of 2023 and became inoperable in the previous year.
In response to the issue, an urgent document was sent by the Deputy Minister of Health to the Chairman of the Đắk Lắk Provincial People's Committee. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has considered this incident to be serious and potentially harmful to patients' health.
The provincial Department of Health has established an inspection team in July 2022 to assess professional activities at the hospital. The team assessed five contents, including the Nephrology and Urology Ward, where the responsible group for the procedure involving the secured laser lithotripsy machine has been the Medical Technology and Urology Department since the end of 2023.
The provincial Social Insurance agency is responsible for reviewing contract signing work, inspecting health insurance medical examination and treatment contracts and costs from 2023 at the Central Highlands General Hospital. The hospital is also required to review the lithotripsy technical process, the medical examination and treatment condition, the supply of drugs and medical equipment, and the payment of medical examination and treatment costs under health insurance.
The MoH proposes to strictly handle violations, if any, in accordance with laws and directs solutions to ensure good conditions of medical examination and treatment facilities to meet the people's needs. The hospital must review its process of purchasing, managing, and using medical equipment to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident could negatively impact public confidence in the health sector. Therefore, the results of the review, inspection, and solutions must be publicized on the media and quickly reported to the MoH before 1pm on Friday.
The quick inspection results on July 22 at the ward showed a number of shortcomings. The hospital's medical records show that 255 cases of patients using other techniques were noted as having undergone endoscopic lithotripsy services. After discovering the violations, the department requested relevant units and individuals to explain and clarify their responsibilities in the professional procedures and regulations.
The Ministry of Health urges the Central Highlands General Hospital to prioritize the safety and well-being of its patients and take immediate action to rectify the situation. The hospital assures the public that it is committed to ensuring the highest standards of care and transparency.
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