Can Tho Oncology Hospital installed two new cancer radiotherapy machines, but only one is operational. *An Binh*

Two crucial pieces of medical equipment, a linear accelerator (LINACS) radiotherapy machine and a CT scanner, remain non-operational at Can Tho Oncology Hospital, significantly impacting patient care. According to records, in late 2025, the hospital signed a contract with Viet My Medical Investment Joint Stock Company to purchase the LINACS machine, valued at 126,5 billion VND. The contract was initially set for completion by 29/3, then extended to 25/8.

The hospital made an advance payment of nearly 38 billion VND, secured by a bank guarantee. While the contractor completed hardware installation, inspection, and radiation checks, the Monaco radiotherapy planning system, SGRT, and IGRT technical verification equipment have not been delivered. Additionally, trial runs for acceptance have not been conducted.

Similarly, the procurement of a CT scanner, valued at 17,5 billion VND, under a contract with Sao Kim Medical Investment Company Limited, also remains unfinished. The contract's original completion date was 29/3, but it received an extension of nearly 5 months. While the equipment is installed and inspected, it awaits trial runs and acceptance for use. This delay impacts the hospital's plans to obtain technical service licenses and to operationalize the new radiotherapy bunker by early September.

Concurrently, the hospital faces a critical shortage of cancer medication. Hoang Mai Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company abruptly suspended its supply of a generic drug procurement package, valued at 74,75 billion VND (631 items), for the 2026–2028 period, effective 27/7. At the time of suspension, over 3 billion VND worth of drugs had been procured. Hoang Mai Company supplied critical cancer treatment drugs, including Paclitaxel, Bevacizumab (100mg and 400mg), Pegfilgrastim, and Topotecan. This supply disruption directly impacts patient treatment regimens and the hospital's overall drug provision.

The hospital has been unable to contact these three winning bidders for several months. The contractors have not provided authorization for alternative personnel or proposed plans to continue their contracts.

Patients await examination at Can Tho Oncology Hospital. *An Binh*

Can Tho Oncology Hospital currently operates only one radiotherapy machine at its main facility on Chau Van Liem street. This new machine, valued at over 100 billion VND, became operational in June, replacing an outdated, severely damaged unit. Despite operating at full capacity and serving approximately 140 to 150 patients daily, it meets only about 50% of patient demand.

In response to the crisis, the hospital's Board of Directors convened to review relevant documents and reported the situation to higher authorities, seeking guidance to resolve these issues and safeguard patient treatment rights. Hoang Quoc Cuong, Director of the Can Tho Department of Health, stated that this matter exceeds his unit's authority. Consequently, the issue was reported to the City People's Committee, which will forward it to the Ministry of Public Security for review and a resolution to expedite the operationalization of the equipment for patient care. Regarding cancer medication, the Department of Health urged the hospital to promptly secure alternative suppliers for patient treatment.

Previously, in October 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Can Tho Oncology Hospital to inspect its facilities and to meet with medical staff and patients. Observing the overcrowding and equipment shortages, the Prime Minister directed Can Tho to urgently procure two radiotherapy machines for public treatment.

In a related development concerning these contractors, on 24/7, the Anti-Corruption, Economic, and Smuggling Crime Investigation Department (C03) of the Ministry of Public Security initiated legal proceedings for "smuggling" and "violations of accounting regulations causing serious consequences" involving Viet My Medical Investment Joint Stock Company and related entities. Bui Chan Phuong, Ha Van Nam, and Tran Thi Hong Hanh, formerly Chairman of the Board, Director, and Chief Accountant of Viet My Medical Investment Joint Stock Company, respectively, were prosecuted and detained for investigation. To date, the investigative agency has prosecuted nine individuals for three offenses: bribery, smuggling, and violations of accounting regulations causing serious consequences. Authorities recovered 261,000 USD and 118 billion VND.

An Binh