Hundreds surrounded a Hanoi hospital on October 21, demanding an explanation of the death of an 11-year old girl.
Local people gathered at Quoc Oai General Hospital to ask for explanation of the death of an 11-year old girl.
Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung was admitted to Quoc Oai General Hospital on October 19 and died two days later. Bui Thi Hue, the girl's uncle, said, "The doctors told us that she was suffering from digestive problems. When she started to vomit uncontrollably, we called for the doctors' assistance, but nobody came."
Her first day in hospital Nhung's family attempted to communicate with doctors but could only contact nurses, who told them that the vomiting was to be expected. Her condition quickly worsened, however, and the family made several attempts to transfer her to a better hospital while nurses told them there was no cause for alarm. "Around 4:30am I went to check on Nhung, but she was already cold and stiff. By 5am we knew she was gone," said Hue.
Although the family asked for a transfer several times, even causing a scuffle involving security Nhung was not admitted to any other facility. One nurse admitted that Nhung was not transferred because of patient overload.
Nhung's father fainted upon receiving the news
Vu Danh Tan, deputy head of Quoc Oai General Hospital, said Nhung died as a result of hemorrhaging and showed signs of congenital heart disease. According to Tan, when Nhung was admitted, her diagnosis was subarachnoid hemorrhaging, a condition they were told was not life-threatening.
Tan confirmed that the board of directors received the transfer request. "We're trying to pinpoint the problems and will deal with anyone who has violated medical protocol," he said.
On the other hand, Hoang Tran Luong, co-deputy of Quoc Oai General Hospital, denied that directors had any real-time knowledge of Nhung's case. Authorities have sealed off all documents pending further investigation.
