On 15/8, Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, confirmed the clinic's malpractice, adding that it also provided services beyond its authorized scope.
During an inspection on 14/8, the Department of Health requested medical records from the clinic located on Cach Mang Thang Tam street. The clinic initially provided only a document dated 6/8, diagnosing an "8-week, 3-day pregnancy," with no prescription and a receipt for 580,000 VND covering examination and testing fees. The treating doctor claimed the patient only had a consultation, not a procedure.
However, when the inspection team presented receipts provided by the patient for services on 6/8, totaling 2.8 million VND and 26 million VND for family planning fees, the clinic produced a second set of medical records for the same patient over an hour later. This record, dated 7/8, documented a "termination of an 8-week, 3-day pregnancy using vacuum aspiration."
According to Mr. Thuong, the clinic seriously violated regulations by providing services beyond its approved scope. Its operating license, issued on 25/8/2022, only permits "medical abortion up to 7 weeks," not vacuum aspiration.
In addition to the maximum fine, the clinic's operating license will be revoked for up to 4 months. The clinic's medical director will also have their medical license suspended for up to 3 months.
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Thang Tam General Clinic. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health |
Thang Tam General Clinic. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health
The Department of Health identified the clinic as a repeat offender, previously flagged by the Legal Inspection Department (formerly the Inspectorate Department) for overcharging patients. In 10/2024, authorities intervened when the clinic attempted to charge a woman 65 million VND for an abortion after initially quoting 10 million VND for her 18-week pregnancy.
The clinic previously faced fines and a 4-month license suspension for exceeding its authorized services. In 1/2024, a doctor at the clinic was fined and had their license suspended for 3 months for prescribing unnecessary services for profit. The clinic has also been penalized for using superlative terms like "number one" in its advertising without proper documentation.
In 2023, the clinic was fined for staff not wearing name tags, incomplete medical records, and selling products of unknown origin. Four individuals had their licenses temporarily revoked.
In 2022, penalties were issued for signage violations, unregistered practitioners, and advertising specialized products without prior authorization.
The Department of Health has submitted the case to the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department for further investigation. Mr. Thuong recommended stricter penalties, such as permanent license revocation for repeat offenders who jeopardize patient health and well-being.
Patients are advised to be cautious of unusual or unclear charges. If you suspect malpractice, contact the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health hotline: 0967.771.010 and 0989.401.155.
Le Phuong
