10 clinics and cosmetic facilities in Ho Chi Minh City were found to be illegally labeling themselves as 'hospitals'.

The ambiguity in the use of the name "hospital" by private clinics is currently a social problem and needs a timely solution.

An unlicensed facility has been named “hospital” (the name of the business granted a business registration certificate is E-Star Cosmetic Hospital Company Limited) - Photo: Provided by the Inspector of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health

On October 24, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health said that recently, some private clinics in the city have been using the word "hospital" in their advertisements and signs.

This has caused confusion for people in choosing medical services, posing many risks to the quality and effectiveness of medical examination and treatment at these facilities.

According to the Health Department Inspectorate, since the beginning of the year, 10 businesses have registered the word "hospital" in their business names, violating the law and being administratively sanctioned.

These facilities are mainly specialized clinics for eyes, teeth, and jaws, cosmetic facilities, skin care, etc.

According to the Department of Health, when looking up information about businesses in the city, there are currently at least 184 private businesses registered for business certificates at the Department of Planning and Investment with the phrase "hospital" but do not operate under the hospital model.

When registering administrative procedures to establish a clinic, businesses are required by the Department of Health to grant a license with the word "hospital" in the name, the reason being that the name must be the same as the business name printed on the business registration certificate.

According to the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, the conditions for granting operating licenses for "hospitals" and "clinics" differ in terms of scale, facilities, organizational structure, personnel and other conditions.

This is to ensure transparency and accountability of each medical facility.

Therefore, the use of the word "hospital" in the name of clinics is not only inconsistent with their functions and duties, but also affects the rights and trust of the people.

Faced with the above situation, the Department of Health recommends that ministries, branches and relevant units consider and supplement regulations on naming medical facilities, to overcome the situation where businesses providing clinic services use the name "hospital".

In addition, tighten the licensing process. While waiting for competent authorities to review and adjust relevant regulations, it is recommended that business registration agencies at all levels (Department of Planning and Investment, local finance and planning departments) review and tighten the appraisal process and refuse to grant licenses to businesses and business households operating medical examination and treatment facilities.

At the same time, it is recommended that private enterprises that have registered the name "hospital", in case they do not have the full scope of operation as a hospital, should adjust their names and not continue to use the word "hospital" in their names.

Local authorities increase inspection and supervision of private medical facilities.

Strictly handle facilities that commit violations or intentionally violate many times, especially clinics that regularly receive feedback and complaints from people.

The Department of Health also stated that in recent years, people's demand for health care has increased, leading to the strong development of private medical facilities.

The ambiguity in the use of the name "hospital" by private clinics is currently a social problem and needs a timely solution.

Look up clinics and practitioners before medical examination and treatment

The Department of Health calls on people to choose reputable hospitals and clinics that have been licensed to operate by the Ministry of Health/Department of Health.

Information about medical facilities and practitioners can be looked up at https://thongtin.medinet.org.vn or https://tracuu.khambenh.gov.vn.

If you discover or suspect a practitioner or clinic of a lack of transparency, please call the hotline 0989.401.155 or upload information to the "Online Health" application so that the Department of Health Inspectorate can promptly detect, prevent and strictly handle according to the provisions of law.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phat-hien-10-phong-kham-co-so-tham-my-o-tp-hcm-gan-mac-benh-vien-vi-pham-2024102407231573.htm