Vietnam National Children’s Hospital Asked to Explain High Expenses

The Administration of Medical Services under Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has just asked Director of the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi to verify news reports about the excessive medical costs here, state media reported. The request came after the family of a one-year-old patient complained about paying high fees at the hospital but still not getting the timely diagnosis and treatment. In response, Deputy Director of the hospital Tran Minh Dien explained that the child patient was diagnosed with spermatic cord problem, which required an early operation. He apologized to the family for the administrative hassles leading to the treatment delay. Regarding the fees, because the child got the medical check-up during the weekend, the service fee is calculated under overtime rate, Dr. Dien pointed out, adding that in case the family wants to transfer the child to another hospital during the week, the child is eligible for health insurance payouts. The Administration of Medical Services asked the hospital to adjust the procedures and expenses in accordance with existing regulations and staffs’ attitude towards patients and their families. The National Children’s Hospital currently charges VND580,000 ($25.5) for a medical check-up without appointment or out of office hours, about VND200,000 higher than that by appointment or during office hours. (Lao Dong – Labor May 18)