On 5/9, the Thanh Hoa Provincial Police Criminal Investigation Department announced it had summoned Nguyen Cong Khanh, 29, ambulance owner; Vo Dai Truong Lam, 35, driver, both residing in Hac Thanh Ward; and Le Trong Hai Anh, 30, a student at Thanh Hoa Medical College, to clarify their provision of emergency services at unusually high prices.

The incident came to light following a complaint from a family in Sam Son Ward.

Three suspects summoned by police. *Lam Son*

On 1/8, a 58-year-old man was admitted to Thanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital with septic shock, multiple organ failure, pneumonia, suspected acute pancreatitis, cerebral infarction, and type 2 diabetes.

After nearly two weeks of treatment in the Intensive Care Unit I - Toxicology Department, his condition worsened, and the prognosis was unfavorable. Following a doctor's explanation, the family decided to take him home for care.

The 16 km ride cost 9,5 million dong

Around 10:00 on 14/8, the family used an ambulance service they were told was "from the hospital".

According to the complaint, the service providers proactively approached the family members directly in the treatment ward, introducing themselves as drivers and hospital staff. As the patient was being prepared for transport, a person in a lab coat appeared in the room, surrounded by several doctors and nurses, leading the family to believe the ambulance service was arranged by the hospital.

The distance from the hospital to their home was about 16 km. The family was asked to pay a total of 9,5 million dong, which included about 5,3 million dong for the ambulance, ventilator rental, and support equipment; and 4,2 million dong for seven vials of vasoactive drug, each priced at 600.000 dong.

The ambulance transporting the patient to Sam Son on 14/8. *Family provided photo*

Suspecting the unusual fee, the family later posted the incident on social media.

Thanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital confirmed that the ambulance service and the individuals involved were not under its management. The fees collected for the vehicle, equipment, and medication used during transport were also not hospital revenue.

The ambulance transporting the patient to Sam Son on 14/8. *Family provided photo*

Adrenaline sold at 150 times its cost

Investigators launched an inquiry, initially identifying Khanh, Lam, and Hai Anh as involved in the case. According to the police, the three had discussed and agreed upon the collection and distribution of the money.

After receiving 9,5 million dong from the patient's family, Lam transferred a portion to Khanh, while Lam and Hai Anh divided the rest.

Notably, the seven vials of vasoactive drug, sold for a total of 4,2 million dong, were Adrenaline. The group claimed to have purchased these for about 4.000 dong per vial but sold them to the family for 600.000 dong, an markup of 150 times.

After the patient passed away, according to the family, the individuals involved repeatedly called to offer a refund and compensation. The relatives refused, instead requesting that authorities investigate and prosecute the case.

The Thanh Hoa Provincial Police Criminal Investigation Department is currently clarifying the actions and roles of each individual.

Vasoactive drug purchased by the family for 600.000 dong per vial. *Screenshot from clip*

Following the incident, the Thanh Hoa Department of Health directed medical examination and treatment facilities in the area to tighten patient transport operations; it strictly prohibited medical staff from colluding or brokering patients to outside entities for personal gain.

Hospitals were also instructed to prevent individuals offering services from soliciting patients or exploiting the hospital's name and image to operate within its premises.

Le Hoang