According to a report from the Dak Lak Provincial Department of Health, during a meeting chaired by the department in early August 2025, two department heads implicated in the case of 255 patients undergoing lithotripsy despite a malfunctioning machine for two years provided unexpected explanations.
Specifically, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang, Head of the Urology Department, stated that the lithotripsy machine had been broken since November 2023, yet hundreds of lithotripsy procedures were still performed in 2024.
Mr. Hoang explained that from May to November 2024, he had employed an alternative surgical method but recorded the medical records as “laser endoscopic lithotripsy services.”
“This was reported to the hospital’s management before implementation, but after November 2024, I stopped this service due to concerns about payment processing complications,” Mr. Hoang clarified.
Tay Nguyen General Hospital. Photo: Hai Duong
Meanwhile, Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc, Head of the Surgery – Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department, argued that his department’s responsibility was limited to scheduling surgeries and assigning anesthesia teams, with no involvement in consultation content or the surgical team’s expertise.
In response to the explanations from Mr. Hoang and Mr. Duc, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thinh, Deputy Director of Tay Nguyen General Hospital, criticized their statements as lacking integrity, responsibility, and honesty, and violating professional regulations. Mr. Thinh called for further investigation to determine disciplinary actions.
Ms. Le Ka Thuy, also a Deputy Director of Tay Nguyen General Hospital, emphasized that performing laser lithotripsy procedures despite the machine being broken was entirely incorrect.
“Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc’s explanation is irresponsible. I demand a thorough investigation into the extent of the violations committed by Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang and Dr. Bui Ngoc Duc,” Ms. Thuy stated firmly.
Mr. Nguyen Dang Giap, Director of Tay Nguyen General Hospital, refuted Mr. Hoang’s claim of reporting to the hospital’s management, stating that there was no evidence to support this assertion.
Mr. Giap confirmed that processing medical records for payment despite the lithotripsy machine being broken was entirely wrong. He also denied Mr. Hoang’s claim of prior reporting to the management.
The hospital’s Professional Council initially concluded that the surgical and anesthesia teams had been dishonest in performing their duties and failed to adhere to consultation regulations. Primary responsibility was attributed to the Heads of the Urology and Surgery – Anesthesia and Intensive Care Departments.
The hospital’s Disciplinary Council issued a warning to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang and reprimanded Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc along with two others. Additionally, nearly 20 hospital staff members faced administrative penalties.
The case has been referred to the Dak Lak Provincial Police for further investigation into the collective and individual responsibilities involved.
WATCH: Mr. Nguyen Dang Giap, Director of Tay Nguyen General Hospital, discusses the incident.
