On 8/9, Tang Chi Thuong, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, announced the clinic’s suspension pending investigation. Police in Hanh Thong ward are investigating a 31-year-old woman's claim that a dentist named Chinh assaulted her with a metal bar, choked her, and destroyed her phone at the clinic.
“The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health strongly condemns this act of violence against a patient, regardless of the circumstances," Thuong said. Department representatives visited the patient in the hospital to offer support. The patient is currently in stable condition.
An inspection conducted the same day revealed several violations at the clinic, including inadequate facilities, providing services beyond the scope of their license, failing to maintain proper medical records, and false advertising. Three staff members were also unable to produce valid professional licenses.
The dentist stated that the patient, who had received orthodontic treatment since 2021, was dissatisfied with the results and had posted about it on social media before coming to the clinic to demand a refund. The patient, however, said she paid 22 million VND for braces at the clinic. After having the braces removed, she experienced pain and was diagnosed with bone damage at another clinic. She alleges that when she returned to Tuyet Chinh to complain, an argument ensued. While waiting, she says the dentist suddenly attacked her with a metal bar, choked her, and verbally abused her. The dentist then allegedly seized the patient’s phone and glasses, worth approximately 20 million VND, and smashed them. The incident was reportedly recorded by a friend accompanying the patient.
The Department of Health advises people to check the Medical and Pharmaceutical Practice Search Portal (tracuu.medinet.org.vn) before choosing a healthcare provider. To report violations, contact the hotlines 0967.771.010 and 0989.401.155 or use the Online Healthcare application.
Le Phuong
