Laser lithotripsy machine broken for 2 years, doctor's irresponsible explanation causes controversy

The laser lithotripsy machine at the Central Highlands General Hospital was broken for two years but still recorded 255 patient records, causing two department heads to be asked to clarify their responsibilities and receive disciplinary action.

The incident involving the laser lithotripsy machine at the Central Highlands General Hospital being broken for 2 years but still generating medical records for hundreds of patients is causing a stir in public opinion. On September 18, the Dak Lak Provincial Department of Health sent a detailed report to the Ministry of Health, the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee, and emphasized the need to clarify the responsibilities of individuals and groups involved.

According to the report, in a meeting chaired by the Department of Health in early August 2025, two department heads directly involved in the incident gave explanations that surprised many people.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang, Head of the Department of Nephrology and Urology, admitted that the laser lithotripsy machine had been broken since November 2023, but in 2024, the department still performed more than 200 lithotripsy cases. Mr. Hoang explained that from May to November 2024, the department applied a different surgical method, but the medical records still recorded it as "laser lithotripsy endoscopic service". He said that this had been reported to the Board of Directors before implementation, but after November 2024, he stopped this service due to concerns about payment procedures.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc, Head of the Department of Surgery - Anesthesia and Resuscitation, said that his department was only responsible for scheduling surgeries and assigning anesthesia teams, and that consultations and surgical expertise were not within his scope of responsibility. This explanation immediately caused controversy because many people thought that Mr. Duc was avoiding responsibility.

In response to the above explanations, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thinh, Deputy Director of the Central Highlands General Hospital, stated that both Mr. Hoang and Mr. Duc lacked a sense of responsibility and were dishonest, and violated professional regulations. Mr. Thinh emphasized the need to clarify the extent of the violations for strict handling.

Sharing the same view, Ms. Le Ka Thuy, Deputy Director of the hospital, reacted strongly, saying that the fact that the lithotripsy machine was broken but the medical records still listed laser services was completely wrong. Ms. Thuy pointed out that Mr. Duc's explanation was "irresponsible" and requested clarification of the responsibilities of both department heads.

Mr. Nguyen Dang Giap, the hospital director, completely rejected Mr. Hoang's explanation, affirming that he had never received any reports as Mr. Hoang said. Mr. Giap emphasized that the fact that the machine was broken but the records were still generated for payment was against regulations, and at the same time, Mr. Hoang's explanation had no legal or professional basis.

After the meeting, the hospital's professional council concluded that both the surgical team and the anesthesia team were dishonest and did not comply with the consultation regulations. The main responsibility was determined to belong to the Head of the Department of Nephrology and Urology and the Head of the Department of Surgery and Anesthesia.

Based on this conclusion, the Disciplinary Council issued a warning to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang, reprimanded Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc and two other individuals, and administratively sanctioned nearly 20 hospital staff. This decision is to ensure deterrence and maintain professional discipline in the hospital.

The case has now been transferred to Dak Lak Provincial Police for further investigation and clarification of the responsibilities of the relevant groups and individuals. The incident not only raises issues regarding medical equipment management but also serves as a warning lesson regarding the honesty of medical records, in order to protect the rights of patients and the reputation of the hospital.

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