Two department heads of the Central Highlands General Hospital arrested for falsely declaring 500 lithotripsy cases

The Dak Lak Provincial Police Investigation Agency has initiated a case, prosecuted the accused and temporarily detained two department heads of the Central Highlands General Hospital in the case of falsely declaring nearly 500 lithotripsy cases.

The Dak Lak Provincial Police Investigation Agency issued an indictment and temporary detention order against two department heads in the case of falsely declaring nearly 500 lithotripsy cases - Photo: HOANG MINH

On the afternoon of September 22, the Dak Lak Provincial Police Investigation Agency initiated a case, prosecuted the accused and temporarily detained Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang (47 years old, head of the Department of Nephrology and Urology) and Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc (51 years old, head of the Department of Surgery and Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Central Highlands General Hospital) for their involvement in the case of falsely declaring nearly 500 cases of lithotripsy.

Both men were investigated for "abusing positions and powers while performing official duties" under Clause 2, Article 356 of the Penal Code.

The initial investigation determined that from March 28 to May 15, 2024 and May 28 to December 31, 2024, the hospital's laser lithotripsy machine was broken and could not operate. However, Mr. Hoang and Mr. Duc still ordered endoscopic lithotripsy procedures, recording on 255 medical records that it was performed with a laser machine.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang (47 years old, former head of the Department of Nephrology and Urology) heard the order of temporary detention - Photo: HOANG MINH

Of these, 235 cases were covered by health insurance, paid by Dak Lak Provincial Social Insurance more than 273.9 million VND , and the patients paid more than 33.1 million VND . The remaining 20 cases had patients without insurance and had to pay nearly 26 million VND themselves. At the same time, the hospital also paid for surgery and procedures of more than 60.3 million VND for these 255 cases.

The above behavior caused a loss of more than 273.9 million VND to the health insurance fund, nearly 59.1 million VND in damage to patient property, seriously affecting the reputation of the Central Highlands General Hospital, the rights and health of patients, and causing negative reactions in public opinion.

Currently, Dak Lak Provincial Police are continuing to expand the investigation and strictly handle violations in the medical field.

Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc (51 years old, former head of the Department of Surgery - Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Central Highlands General Hospital) - Photo: HOANG MINH

Previously, as reported by Tuoi Tre Online , in July 2025, an interdisciplinary team from the Dak Lak Department of Health inspected the Central Highlands General Hospital and discovered that nearly 500 cases of lithotripsy were falsely prescribed even though the laser machine had been broken since 2023.

After the Ministry of Health requested an inspection, many hospital leaders admitted their wrongdoings and the police began an investigation. The prosecution and temporary detention of the two department heads is a new step in the process of clarifying the responsibilities of individuals and groups involved.

PEACE OF MIND

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bat-hai-truong-khoa-benh-vien-da-khoa-vung-tay-nguyen-vu-ke-khong-500-ca-tan-soi-20250922183903704.htm