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 involved in the case of 255 patients undergoing lithotripsy despite the machine being broken 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 but still performed hundreds of lithotripsy procedures in 2024.
Mr. Hoang explained that from May to November 2024, he had applied a different surgical method but recorded the medical records as “laser endoscopic lithotripsy services.”
“I reported this to the hospital’s management before implementation, but after November 2024, I stopped this service due to concerns about payment procedure complications,” Mr. Hoang explained.
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 only to schedule surgeries and assign anesthesia teams, not to be involved in consultation content or the expertise of the surgical team.
In response to the explanations from Mr. Hoang and Mr. Duc, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thinh, Deputy Director of Tay Nguyen General Hospital, stated that their explanations lacked integrity, responsibility, and honesty, violating professional regulations. Mr. Thinh requested clarification of responsibilities for disciplinary action.
Ms. Le Ka Thuy, also Deputy Director of Tay Nguyen General Hospital, emphasized that the laser lithotripsy machine was broken, yet medical records still showed laser lithotripsy procedures, which was entirely incorrect.
“Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc’s explanation is irresponsible. I request a thorough investigation into the violations of Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang and Dr. Bui Ngoc Duc,” Ms. Thuy stated firmly.
Mr. Nguyen Dang Giap, Director of Tay Nguyen General Hospital, completely rejected Mr. Hoang’s claim of reporting to the hospital’s management, stating there was no evidence of such reporting.
Mr. Giap confirmed that using broken lithotripsy equipment while generating medical records for payment was entirely wrong. He also denied Mr. Hoang’s claim of prior reporting to the management.
Regarding this case, the Professional Council of Tay Nguyen General Hospital initially concluded that the surgical and anesthesia teams were dishonest in performing their duties and failed to adhere to consultation regulations. Primary responsibility was assigned 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 a reprimand to Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc, along with two others. Additionally, nearly 20 hospital staff members received administrative penalties.
The case has been referred to the Dak Lak Provincial Police for further investigation into the responsibilities of individuals and collectives involved.
WATCH: Mr. Nguyen Dang Giap, Director of Tay Nguyen General Hospital, discusses the incident.
Startling Explanation from Department Head: 255 Kidney Stone Patients Treated Despite Machine Malfunction for 2 Years
Two department heads at the Tay Nguyen General Hospital (Dak Lak) have provided startling explanations regarding a malfunctioning machine that remained in operation for two years, during which 255 patients underwent lithotripsy procedures.
