Stem cell institute 'disguised' as a general clinic

Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health discovered a facility called "Vietnam Stem Cell Research and Application Institute" operating illegally in Thu Duc City.

On April 19, a representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health said that the authorities suddenly inspected the facility at 296 Tran Nao and discovered that it was the Medigo General Clinic (licensed on August 24, 2023). This place was still open even though the day before, the inspection team of the Thu Duc City People's Committee requested to stop medical examination and treatment due to not meeting the conditions.

This place has a sign that says "Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health - Medigo General Clinic". On one side of the clinic is a sign that says "Cellab Center for Research and Application of Regenerative Medicine", while this center is not on the Department's list of licensed establishments.

Many patients were receiving IV fluids at the facility at the time of inspection. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health — Many patients were receiving IV fluids at the facility at the time of inspection. Photo: *Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health*

The inspection team discovered that the stem cell import/export management book contained 8 test order forms from the center, a leaflet "Stem Cell Therapy - Stem Cell Application in Treatment and Beauty" at 155 Bui Thi Xuan ( Hanoi ) and a warehouse containing some retail drugs and infusions. All drugs and infusions were sealed.

The website phongkham.medigoapp.com advertises medical examination and treatment services such as general health check-ups, examinations of specialties such as diagnostic imaging, pediatrics, maxillofacial surgery, etc. The Facebook page "Vietnam Stem Cell Research and Application Institute" advertises content about stem cells - a breakthrough therapy to restore health, eliminate high liver enzymes - fatty liver - cirrhosis, etc. These advertisements introduce 4 facilities, one in Hanoi, two in Can Tho and two in Ho Chi Minh City (including another facility at 269 Dien Bien Phu, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3).

Promotional image on the facility's social media page. Screenshot — Promotional image on the facility's social media page. *Screenshot*

The authorities requested the facility owner to comply with the suspension of medical examination and treatment activities according to the minutes of the Inspection Team of Thu Duc City People's Committee. At the same time, remove the signboard and stop posting advertisements about medical examination and treatment services that are not in accordance with regulations.

Thu Duc City Health Department continues to coordinate with local authorities to monitor compliance with the suspension of medical examination and treatment activities at the facility. It is expected that the fine here could be up to over 100 million VND, the right to use the medical examination and treatment license will be revoked for 6 months, and the right to use the medical examination and treatment practice certificate of the person responsible for professional and technical expertise will be revoked for 4.5 months.

The Department of Health recommends that people be wary of unreliable medical service advertising information on social networks. When detecting illegal, false, fake, or misleading advertisements, call the hotline 0989 401 155 or report the information to the "Online Health" application so that the Inspectorate can promptly detect, prevent, and strictly handle them.

Le Phuong

Source link