The whole commune is in chaos over suspected HIV infection after being injected at the doctor's house.

Illustration photo/Internet source

For the past two months, dozens of people in Kim Thuong commune (Tan Son, Phu Tho) have been living in fear of being infected with HIV after sharing needles at the private home of Dr. T., who is currently working at Tan Son District General Hospital.

The incident started when a female patient in Chieng 3 area, Kim Thuong commune, went to the doctor because of a mouth ulcer that would not go away. Test results from the district to the central level all confirmed that she was infected with HIV, although the patient claimed that she had not had any activities that posed a risk of infection, except for going to Dr. T's house to get an injection.

This patient said that Dr. T. used the same needle to inject one person after another.

It is known that Kim Thuong is a mountainous commune, so the people here are mainly Muong ethnic people. Whenever they are sick, they often go to Dr. T's house for examination and injection.

According to initial information, at least 2 people among the patients who were treated at Dr. T's home tested positive for HIV. Many people who were examined at this private medical facility were also tested.

This afternoon, Tan Son district police went to Dr. T's private clinic to work.

Regarding the incident, a representative of the Phu Tho Department of Health said that from February to June, at the Tropical Diseases Department, Phu Tho General Hospital, there were 2 deaths due to AIDS, and 4 new cases of HIV infection, all in Kim Thuong commune.

"Through initial investigation, we determined that it was due to unsafe injections, but to confirm that one person or one medical facility caused the infection, we need to invite the police to investigate," he said.

The Department of Health said that they have sent doctors and counselors to Kim Thuong commune to provide advice and reduce psychological trauma for people, ensuring that 100% of suspected infected people receive ARV treatment.

In addition, authorities are also coordinating with local authorities to quickly compile a list of people at high risk who have not been tested.

Mr. Hoang Dinh Canh, Deputy Director of the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention (Ministry of Health) also said that he has asked the Phu Tho Department of Health to verify and report the incident.

The Ministry of Health has directed the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology to get involved and go to the scene to determine the nature of the incident.