Dak Lak Department of Health reports to the Ministry of Health about the case of falsely declaring nearly 500 cases of lithotripsy.

Dak Lak Department of Health has reported a case of falsely declaring nearly 500 lithotripsy cases at the Central Highlands General Hospital.

Police are involved, authorities are checking and handling violations in the case of 500 cases of lithotripsy - Photo: MINH PHUONG

On September 20, Mr. Nay Phi La - Director of Dak Lak Department of Health - said that a report had been sent to the Ministry of Health about the case of nearly 500 laser lithotripsy cases being recorded, while the lithotripsy machine of the Central Highlands General Hospital was broken.

480 cases of lithotripsy on paper when the machine was broken

According to the report, since July 2025, the Department of Health has established inspection team No. 355 to evaluate the professional activities of the Central Highlands General Hospital, including the Department of Nephrology and Urology.

The results recorded at this department were 480 cases of laser lithotripsy recorded during the period when the lithotripsy machine was broken since November 2023. At the time of inspection, the hospital could not explain, so it was asked to review, meet with relevant departments and send a report to the Department of Health.

On August 6, at a meeting with the Department of Health, the hospital confirmed that the laser equipment put into use in 2015 was damaged by the end of 2023, but the department of nephrology and urology still received patients, prescribed and generated records for laser lithotripsy services.

The professional council then concluded that the Department of Nephrology - Urology and the Department of Surgery - Anesthesia and Resuscitation had managed and used medical equipment ineffectively, lacked coordination, and laxed inspection, leading to failure to detect violations.

The Department has reported this serious incident to the Ministry of Health - Photo: MINH PHUONG

In particular, the surgical team and anesthesia team were dishonest in performing their duties, violated professional ethics, and did not comply with consultation regulations and technical procedures.

The main responsibility lies with the Head of the Department of Nephrology and Urology and the Head of the Department of Surgery and Anesthesia, along with the joint responsibility of many members of the surgical team. This is considered the direct cause of nearly 500 lithotripsy records being created incorrectly.

On August 20, the hospital's disciplinary council met and decided to warn Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang - former head of the department of nephrology and urology, and reprimand three other cases: Ms. Tran Thi Kim Oanh - former head nurse of the department, Mr. Le Xuan Vinh - Deputy head of the department, and Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc - Head of the department of surgery and anesthesia.

Review and re-examine 255 patients

After the incident was reported, the Department of Health continued to request the hospital to review medical records, record the medical conditions and treatment methods for 255 patients who did not receive laser lithotripsy during the machine failure period.

These patients will be contacted by the hospital and re-examined for free (clinical examination, paraclinical examination of the urinary system). At the same time, the Department of Health assigned three other hospitals, including Phu Yen Provincial General Hospital, Thien Hanh Hospital and Buon Ma Thuot University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, to send nephrology and urology specialists to participate in the screening examination, to ensure objectivity.

Mr. Nay Phi La - Director of Dak Lak Department of Health - said this is a serious violation - Photo: TRUNG TAN

The Department of Health has reported the incident to the Ministry of Health, the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee, and directed the organization of a public press conference for the press and the development of a plan to comprehensively inspect medical examination and treatment facilities in the province, especially in the stages of purchasing, supplying, managing and using medical equipment.

Currently, the Department of Health and the Central Highlands General Hospital are coordinating to provide records and documents to the Economic Police Department of Dak Lak Provincial Police to investigate and clarify the responsibilities of related individuals and groups.

According to Mr. Nay Phi La, in addition to handling collective and individual responsibilities for violations, the Department of Health pays special attention to the rights of patients. The review, re-examination and screening of related cases will be urgently implemented, ensuring that patients are not disadvantaged.

Previously, as reported by Tuoi Tre Online , the incident of nearly 500 cases of laser lithotripsy when the machine was broken caused much outrage, raising questions about medical ethics, responsibility and transparency in hospital management. The Ministry of Health has issued urgent instructions, and the police are investigating.

People are waiting not only for strict handling, but also for real changes in the management and medical practice at the largest hospital in the Central Highlands.

CENTER

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/so-y-te-dak-lak-bao-cao-bo-y-te-vu-ke-khong-gan-500-ca-tan-soi-20250920105126932.htm