Police Probe Ambulances Using Hospital Logos After Family Paid 9 Million Dong for 16-Kilometer Trip

Police in Thanh Hoa have begun investigating outside ambulances that allegedly displayed hospital logos and used hospital-style sirens after a patient’s family paid more than 9 million dong to travel 16 kilometers from Thanh Hoa General Hospital to the patient’s home.

The inquiry began after media reports about the transport charge and the cost of vasopressor medication. Officials from Hac Thanh Ward police said they had assigned officers to verify which outside vehicles were involved. “We have assigned officers to verify the case and will inform the press when there is a result,” a police leader said.

In a report to the Thanh Hoa health department, the provincial general hospital said it regularly reviews and corrects its patient-transport procedures. It also said outside vehicles are not allowed to wait inside the hospital grounds to solicit patients or relatives.

For transport services provided by the hospital, the hospital signs a contract with the patient’s representative. It says prices for transport, medicines and other materials are disclosed before the service, then charged at approved rates with invoices and supporting documents.

The hospital said some vehicles may have been bought from hospitals as surplus vehicles and left with their markings intact. It has reported the matter to police and plans to strengthen inspections and help families distinguish hospital services from outside operators. The Health Ministry’s medical treatment administration department has also asked Thanh Hoa authorities to verify the reports.

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We have assigned officers to verify the case and will inform the press when there is a result.