Are there signs of a lack of transparency at Le Loi Polyclinic in Vinh City?
Recently, some residents in Nghe An province have complained about what they consider to be "unethical" activities of Le Loi Multi-Specialty Clinic, located at 99 Le Loi Street, Vinh City.
Mr. TT (43 years old) said: "I suffer from phimosis and erectile dysfunction. While researching treatment options on social media, I found that Le Loi Multi-Specialty Clinic advertises that they treat these conditions."
On September 25th, I went to the clinic and was advised by the staff to undergo some tests and an ultrasound. Following that, a staff member who identified himself as a doctor (without a name tag) concluded that I had phimosis and needed surgery. He then offered me three circumcision packages priced at 3.9 million VND, 6 million VND, and 9-10 million VND respectively. Because I didn't have much money, I agreed to the 3.9 million VND package.
During the circumcision procedure, the "doctor" said that "there were many penile warts, fatty cysts, and inflammation inside" and asked if I wanted them treated as well. He also said that if I wanted these additional treatments, I would have to pay an extra 16 million VND. The total cost of the surgery was 20 million VND.
The surgical assistant asked me to sit up so they could examine the incision and said they wouldn't treat any infection, nodules, or fat deposits, but only stitch it up. They also stated that the clinic wouldn't be responsible for any problems that might arise. I was very worried but didn't have the money, so I asked the clinic to reduce the price. After negotiation, the clinic finalized the price at 17 million VND for all costs and instructed me to transfer this amount to the account of Thai Duong Investment and Trading Service Co., Ltd.
Mr. TT added: "After the procedure, I returned to the clinic for cleaning. Upon further inquiry, I learned that many others were also put in a difficult situation, facing complications after the procedure. The clinic doesn't have a price list for each service, especially the infection treatment package. I found that the clinic only makes verbal agreements and appears to be overcharging customers."
Similarly, Mr. VH (41 years old) also said: "I was diagnosed by the clinic with phimosis, blood vessel compression preventing blood flow, and was prescribed a circumcision procedure. I chose the service package costing over 6 million VND. During the surgery, the 'doctor' told me there was residue on the skin, blood vessel compression, infection, and penile warts... if they only cut and stitched it up, the clinic would not be responsible for any problems that might arise later."
Next, the clinic staff advised me on several services including removing adhesions from the skin, clearing blood vessels, and cauterizing warts, all for 30 million VND. Due to health concerns, I agreed to the procedure. The total amount I had to pay was over 30.105 million VND. Of this, 405,000 VND was for the examination fee, transferred to the account of Thai Duong Investment and Trading Service Co., Ltd.; and 29.7 million VND was transferred to an individual's account.
Mr. VH stated that there is an unreasonable cost of medical examination and treatment, and a lack of transparency in the clinic's operations (there is exploitation of patients' psychology and profiteering during the examination and treatment process).
Following feedback from residents, reporters met with representatives from the clinic. During the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Trung Tinh, the clinic's professional supervisor, stated that the reason for the additional service was that infections could only be detected after the foreskin had been removed and the patient was fully conscious when deciding to use the service. At the time of the meeting, the clinic did not display a complete price list for each service, only a price list for examinations and paraclinical services.
A patient's medical record shows that they received physiological treatment. However, according to Decision No. 979/QD-SYT dated September 6, 2019, of the Department of Health...Nghe AnRegarding the approval of the list of specialized techniques performed at Le Loi Private Multi-Specialty Clinic and Decision No. 435/QD-SYT dated April 19, 2021, of the Nghe An Department of Health on the approval of additional specialized techniques performed at Le Loi Private Multi-Specialty Clinic, this clinic is authorized to implement 152 techniques, but none of them include male reproductive health or physiological treatment techniques.
It is known that Le Loi General Clinic has been fined by authorities on several occasions. In 2021, the Nghe An Department of Health fined Le Loi General Clinic 80 million VND and revoked its operating license for 2 months. In 2020, Le Loi General Clinic was also fined 27 million VND by the Nghe An Department of Health.
Previously, on May 31, 2019, the Nghe An Department of Health decided to revoke the operating license for medical examination and treatment of Thai Duong Private Multi-Specialty Clinic (99 Le Loi Street, Vinh City), owned by Thai Duong Investment and Trade Service Co., Ltd. The reason was that Thai Duong Multi-Specialty Clinic violated regulations by not having enough qualified practitioners for its scope of professional activities, violating sub-item b, clause 1, Article 43 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment... After the license was revoked, the investor continued to submit documents to apply for permission to establish Le Loi Multi-Specialty Clinic, also operating at the aforementioned address.
Given the public's complaints, it is necessary for the relevant authorities to conduct an inspection and investigation of this clinic.