CaliToday (19/9/2025): Vietnam's Ministry of Health has launched a formal investigation into a major public hospital following shocking allegations that nearly 500 patients underwent kidney stone treatment using a broken machine. The incident, which took place at the Central Highlands Regional General Hospital in Dak Lak province, has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about patient safety and hospital management.
The controversy centers on the hospital's lithotripsy machine, a device used for a non-invasive procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) that breaks down kidney stones using sound waves. According to official reports, the machine was known to be malfunctioning, yet medical staff allegedly continued to assign hundreds of patients for treatment with it.
The case came to light after internal whistleblowers and patient complaints prompted a review. Health officials are now working to determine the full extent of the issue, including how long the machine was in disrepair and why procedures were not halted. A key part of the investigation will be to assess the medical outcomes for the 480 patients who received the ineffective treatment, as their conditions may have worsened due to the delay in proper care.
In a press conference, the director of the hospital gave an emotional preliminary statement. Visibly distressed and tearful, the director acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and pledged full cooperation with the Ministry of Health's investigation. He explained the hospital is conducting an internal review to identify procedural failures and hold the responsible parties accountable.
The Ministry of Health has stated it is taking the matter very seriously and has requested a detailed report from the hospital. The investigation is expected to cover technical failures, clinical protocols, and the hospital's leadership and oversight. The outcome could lead to significant penalties for the hospital and the individuals involved if negligence is proven. The incident has put a spotlight on the quality of medical equipment and procedural integrity in Vietnam's regional healthcare system.
