Ambulance Service Scam Exposed in Vietnam: Family Charged Exorbitantly for Critical Patient Transport

Three individuals are under investigation by Thanh Hoa provincial police for allegedly charging an exorbitant fee of 9.5 million VND (approximately $400 USD) for a mere 16km ambulance ride for a critically ill patient. The incident has brought to light potential exploitation within emergency medical services. The case was uncovered following a complaint from a family in Sam Son City. On August 1, a 58-year-old man was admitted to Thanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital in critical condition, suffering from septic shock, multiple organ failure, pneumonia, and other severe ailments. After nearly two weeks of intensive care, his condition worsened, prompting his family to decide to bring him home for palliative care. Around 10 AM on August 14, the family engaged an ambulance service they were told was "from the hospital." According to the family's account, the service providers approached them directly in the treatment ward, identifying themselves as hospital drivers and staff. During the preparation for transport, an individual in a white coat appeared alongside doctors and nurses, leading the family to believe the service was officially arranged by the hospital. For the 16km journey from the hospital to their home, the family was charged a total of 9.5 million VND. This included approximately 5.3 million VND for the ambulance, ventilator, and other equipment, and 4.2 million VND for seven vials of vasopressor (adrenaline). Each vial was reportedly sold for 600,000 VND, a staggering 150-fold increase from its market price. Suspicious of the unusually high charges, the family later shared their experience on social media, sparking public outcry. Thanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital has officially stated that the ambulance and the individuals involved are not affiliated with the hospital, and the revenue from the equipment and medication used during transport does not belong to the hospital. Initial investigations by the police have identified Nguyen Cong Khanh, 29, the ambulance owner; Vo Dai Truong Lam, 35, the driver; and Le Trong Hai Anh, 30, a student at Thanh Hoa Medical College, as being connected to the incident. Authorities report that the three had colluded to set the prices and divide the proceeds. The vasopressor, adrenaline, was allegedly purchased for about 4,000 VND per vial and resold for 600,000 VND. Following the patient's death, individuals associated with the service reportedly contacted the family multiple times, offering refunds and compensation. The family refused these offers, insisting on a thorough investigation and legal action. In response to the incident, the Thanh Hoa Department of Health has directed all healthcare facilities in the province to tighten oversight of patient transport services. It has strictly prohibited medical staff from colluding with external entities to solicit patients for profit. Hospitals are also required to prevent individuals from harassing patients or exploiting the hospital's name and image within their premises. Source: VnExpress