Doctor criticized for prescribing cancer medication 'for fun'

A doctor at the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital is being accused by a 21-year-old woman, a patient's family member, of suggesting she only provided cancer medication for her mother "for fun."

In a complaint sent to the Department of Health , the woman, residing in Binh Tan District, recounted that a male doctor told her mother, 55, that her thyroid cancer was severe and required the "targeted" drug Lenvaxen to prolong her life. This is an internal medication requiring a doctor's prescription, costing 14 million VND. According to the woman, at a pharmacy in Tan Binh District, the male doctor refused to take the money and tried to hug her, but she pushed him away and went home. The next day, the doctor texted her to come back for the medication, demanding that she "please him before he gives her the medicine," after which he sexually assaulted her. Although her mother took the medication, her condition worsened, and she was admitted to Cho Ray Hospital for treatment. This doctor visited her at the hospital and begged her to delete the social media post.

The Inspectorate of the Department worked with the male doctor, requesting an explanation of the allegations in the complaint. According to the Department, the doctor did not admit to sexual assault, only acknowledging to providing advice and giving medication at his home.

Director of the Department of Health, Tang Chi Thuong, stated that the patient's family's complaint relates to professional ethics, creating a wave of outrage and indignation throughout the entire sector. The hospital needs to urgently clarify the matter and take strict action if the doctor is found to have violated professional ethics.

On the evening of August 24th, Dr. Pham Xuan Dung, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, stated that the doctor in question works in the nuclear medicine department. The hospital has suspended the doctor from his duties and transferred him to the organizational department pending a detailed explanation of the incident.

According to hospital leaders, the patient (the girl's mother) had received treatment there a few years ago, but this doctor was not involved in the treatment process. At the time the complaint occurred, the patient was not receiving treatment at the hospital.

"The hospital will clarify everything and will not cover up anything. From a professional ethical standpoint, this incident, whether inside or outside the hospital, is unacceptable," Dr. Dung said, adding that "if prescribed by a doctor, purchasing cancer treatment medication is not too difficult."

Le Phuong

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