HANOI – A hospital in Vietnam has become the center of a public firestorm after one of its ambulance services allegedly charged an exorbitant fee of 21 million VND (approximately $820 USD) for a 200-kilometer patient transfer. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation online, prompting the associated hospital to suspend three staff members pending a full investigation.
The case has ignited a heated debate about ethical standards and the regulation of patient transport services within the country's healthcare sector.
The Incident: An "Extortionate" Bill
According to reports circulating widely on social media, a patient's family was handed the shocking bill after using an ambulance affiliated with the hospital for a journey of around 200 kilometers (about 124 miles). This fee is considered extortionate by Vietnamese standards, where the cost for a similar distance, even with medical support, would typically be a fraction of that amount.
The public outcry stems from the perception that the service provider was exploiting a family in a vulnerable and desperate medical situation. Commentators online have condemned the act as "predatory" and a "betrayal of trust" in medical services.
Hospital's Swift Response
In response to the growing public backlash, the hospital's management took immediate action. A spokesperson for the institution confirmed that three employees connected to the incident have been temporarily suspended from their duties.
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| The patient's family had to pay 21 million VND for an ambulance ride that covered a distance of about 200km |
"We are taking this matter with the utmost seriousness," the hospital stated in a preliminary announcement. "An internal investigation has been launched to clarify the circumstances, review our procedures, and determine accountability. We are committed to transparency and will not tolerate any unethical behavior that affects patients."
The suspension of the staff is seen as a necessary first step to de-escalate the situation and assure the public that the allegations are being thoroughly examined.
Wider Implications for Healthcare Oversight
This high-profile case has cast a spotlight on the broader issue of regulating private and hospital-affiliated ambulance services in Vietnam. While many operators provide essential, life-saving services at fair prices, critics argue that a lack of standardized pricing and clear oversight can create opportunities for predatory practices.
Health advocates are now calling for clearer government regulations and transparent fee structures for all patient transport services to protect individuals and families from financial exploitation during medical emergencies.
As the investigation continues, the public and healthcare officials will be watching closely. The outcome is expected not only to resolve this specific case but also to potentially trigger much-needed reforms to ensure patient safety, trust, and affordability in Vietnam's healthcare system.
