On September 24, the Central Highlands General Hospital began implementing free health checks for all 255 patients who had kidney stone surgery while the machine was broken.
That same morning, at the hospital, many patients traveled long distances, traveling dozens of kilometers to come for examination and health monitoring.
Mr. Vu Duy Hien (residing in Ea Bar commune, Dak Lak province) said: "At first, I had excess intestinal pain, and when I went to the hospital for examination, I had surgery to treat it. However, his condition did not improve. When I had an ultrasound, the doctor diagnosed me with kidney stones."
"In August 2024, I had kidney stone surgery using a laser at the Central Highlands General Hospital and thought the disease had been completely treated. However, when he returned home, his body was still in pain. After going for a check-up, I discovered that there were still stones on his body. At that time, I did not think that the hospital had not yet performed the stonecutting for me, Mr. Hien expressed.
According to Mr. Hien, after hearing about 255 patients undergoing kidney stone surgery while the stone gomes were broken, he was very surprised.
"A big, reputable hospital in the region has such a serious incident. Patients with kidney stones are the ones who suffer the biggest disadvantages, being deceived by the hospital, Mr. Hien said indignantly.
Mr. Hoang Van Thu ( Dur Kanl commune, Dak Lak province) is also one of the patients who came to the Central Highlands General Hospital for examination at the end of March 2024.
Here, he was diagnosed with kidney stones. In April 2024, the hospital underwent stone surgery using a laser machine. However, after only 5 days of returning home, he discovered he had an infection.
"Seeing that he was in endless pain, I went to another medical facility for an ultrasound and discovered that the stone was still intact in my body. I don't know how to claim my rights.
Only when I was contacted and exchanged information with the authorities did I know the details of the incident. I am really disappointed with the medical examination and treatment process at the Central Highlands General Hospital, Mr. Thu said in a grown-up tone.
Mr. Nguyen Dang Giap - Director of the Central Highlands General Hospital - confirmed: "This incident is a violation of individuals in specialized departments and has been strictly handled by the authorities according to regulations.
In the coming time, the unit will follow the correct medical examination and treatment process for the people, striving to bring them satisfaction. This is a very valuable lesson for the unit to rectify medical examination and treatment activities in the coming time".
As Lao Dong reported, the initial investigation determined that from March 28, 2024 to May 15, 2024 and from May 28, 2024 to December 31, 2024, at the Central Highlands General Hospital, the laser stone cantilever was damaged and could not be used.
However, Nguyen Ngoc Hoang - Head of the Department of Nephrology - Nephrology; Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc - Head of the Department of Surgery - Anesthesia and Resuscitation of the Central Highlands General Hospital still perform the stone endoscopy procedure contrary to the procedure.
Recorded over 255 medical records that have performed laser techniques.
Of which, 235 dossiers under the Health Insurance category were paid nearly 274 million VND by Dak Lak Provincial Social Insurance. The patient paid more than 33 million VND.
The remaining 20 documents were not covered by insurance, and the patient paid nearly 26 million VND. The hospital has paid more than 60 million VND for surgical and procedures according to 255 records.
Both Mr. Hoang and Mr. Duc have been prosecuted and temporarily detained by the authorities to serve the investigation and clarify the above incident.
