The Inspection and Legal Affairs Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health announced on 9/7 numerous administrative penalty decisions against organizations and individuals operating in the medical sector.

Among the penalized, Au A Medical Services One Member Limited Company, located on Nguyen Van Luong Street in Phu Lam Ward, incurred the highest penalty in this round: a 123 million dong fine and a 4.5-month revocation of its operating license. Authorities discovered the facility storing and retailing medicine outside its permitted business scope. It also lacked an internet-connected information technology system to manage drug sales, failing to ensure traceability and data linkage as required. Furthermore, the facility engaged in advertising beyond its professional operational scope.

The AI K Plus Company Limited branch, on Nguyen Van Thu Street in Tan Dinh Ward, was fined 90 million dong and suspended for 18 months for providing medical examination and treatment services without an operating license. Authorities also noted that Hoa Perfect U Medical Company Limited operated without a signboard or with one that did not display full required information. The company also used superlative terms like "best," "only," and "number one" in its advertisements without legal documentation to substantiate these claims. This facility was fined 34 million dong and ordered to remove all infringing advertising content.

This round of enforcement also penalized two individuals. One woman, residing on Da Tuong Street in Chanh Hung Ward, provided medical examination and treatment services without an operating license and directly practiced medicine without a professional license. She was fined 72.5 million dong, her facility was suspended for 12 months, and she was ordered to return 2.5 million dong in illegal profits.

Similarly, a man residing on Ta Quang Buu Street in Chanh Hung Ward, operated a medical examination and treatment facility without a license and traded goods of unclear origin. He faced a penalty of 51.3 million dong, his facility was suspended for 18 months, and he was ordered to destroy infringing items and return nearly 14.8 million dong.

Surgical instruments for patients. Photo: Quynh Tran

Earlier in July, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health also penalized several medical examination and treatment facilities and aesthetic centers. Anh Duong Hospital Joint Stock Company - General Clinic, located on Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Dien Hong Ward, was fined 149 million dong for providing medical services during its suspension period, employing practitioners without licenses or practice certificates, and assigning practitioners who were not registered as required.

In addition to the fine, the facility was suspended for 18 months, and its medical operating license was revoked for three months. At the same address, an individual practicing medicine without a license or practice certificate was fined 42 million dong and ordered to return 7 million dong in illegal profits.

LG Clinic Aesthetic Center, on Le Lai Street in Ben Thanh Ward, was found to have employed unregistered practitioners and offered services beyond its licensed professional scope. This facility was fined 86 million dong, and its professional head had their practice certificate revoked for one month. A doctor at this center performed invasive surgeries and procedures without the required written consent from the patient or their legal representative, resulting in a three-month revocation of their practice certificate and a 15 million dong fine.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, publicizing these penalty decisions aims to increase transparency and warn medical facilities to comply with legal regulations.

Le Phuong