On 24/7, Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, announced an unscheduled inspection of Khang Thinh General Clinic (114 Tran Dinh Xu Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward). The clinic, operated by Viet Khang Group Co., Ltd., was investigated following a public complaint submitted through the 1022 portal regarding excessive and unnecessary testing during a medical abortion.
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Khang Thinh General Clinic. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health |
Khang Thinh General Clinic. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health
Inspectors found that the patient’s medical record indicated a 4-5 week pregnancy terminated medically. However, the doctor's notes were unclear, and the clinic charged for services not documented in the record.
Furthermore, hundreds of images of pathological cervixes with identification codes but no patient names or other identifying information were discovered on a computer used by the female doctor who performed the procedure. When questioned, she claimed this was standard clinic procedure.
According to Mr. Thuong, in addition to evidence of fabricated illnesses and extortion, the clinic also displayed an incorrect sign, "Khang Thinh International General Clinic," which differs from the licensed name. The doctor in question had previously been sanctioned by the Department of Health for incomplete medical records and had her license suspended for two months while working at another clinic under International General Clinic Co., Ltd.
The Department of Health is collaborating with Ho Chi Minh City Police to further investigate and take strict action against the clinic.
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Hundreds of coded images of pathological cervixes were found on the doctor’s computer. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health |
Hundreds of coded images of pathological cervixes were found on the doctor’s computer. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health
The health department advises patients to verify clinic information through the Department’s medical practice lookup portal (tracuu.medinet.org.vn) before seeking treatment. They urge patients to question unusual or unclear charges and report suspected extortion to the hotlines 0967.771.010 and 0989.401.155.
Numerous clinics in Ho Chi Minh City have faced similar accusations in recent years. A common tactic involves luring patients with inexpensive basic tests, then diagnosing a severe condition requiring costly procedures. Further complications and treatments can lead to exorbitant bills.
The Department of Health has issued fines and suspensions, but violations persist. Some clinics simply change names while operating at the same location with the same tactics.
Le Phuong
