Coffee Shop IV Infusions Raise Concerns: Unlicensed Healthcare Provider Caught Offering Unregulated Medical Treatments in Vietnam

In a shocking revelation, authorities have uncovered a woman providing intravenous fluids to customers at a coffee shop in District 1 without proper certification or licensing. The incident took place on Hoang Sa Street, where customers were enjoying their coffee on the second floor while the woman administered an IV infusion in a hidden corner. The IV contained a mixture of saline solution, vitamin B, vitamin C, and glucose.

The woman offering this “sea water infusion service” was 32 years old and claimed to have completed a one-year primary medical course in the 4th Army Corps in 2009. However, she did not possess a medical practice certificate and had performed infusions at home for two clients in June for a fee of VND350,000 per person. As a result of the inspection, the Department of Health issued a fine of 80 million VND for practicing without certification and operating without a license, instructing the woman to cease her activities until all necessary documentation was obtained.

In addition to this discovery, authorities also found that the woman was promoting her services on a Facebook page titled “Sea water infusion at home – Medical examination and treatment service at home in Ho Chi Minh City.” This page was linked to a medical service company in Binh Tan district that did not have a license to operate medical examination and treatment services. The company director explained that they had briefly performed home infusions but had since ceased operations, instead focusing on connecting doctors and nurses with customers through their website vmedi.com.vn.

The website currently has over 40 registered accounts, including 20 approved healthcare professionals who are available to provide services when needed. Despite the crackdown on unauthorized medical practices, it is clear that there is still demand for home medical services, prompting the need for strict regulation and oversight to ensure patient safety and well-being.

This incident highlights the importance of proper certification and licensing requirements for healthcare providers operating in Vietnam’s growing medical industry. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance from authorities to prevent unscrupulous individuals from putting patients at risk through illegal practices.

The crackdown on unauthorized medical practices comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Vietnamese government to improve healthcare standards and protect patients’ rights. In recent years, stricter regulations have been put in place regarding everything from licensing requirements for pharmacies to penalties for practicing medicine without proper credentials.

While these measures may be inconvenient for some healthcare providers, they are ultimately necessary to ensure that patients receive high-quality care from qualified professionals who adhere to ethical standards of practice.

As Vietnam continues its rapid pace of economic development and urbanization, it is critical that our healthcare system remains up-to-date with best practices and regulatory frameworks that prioritize patient safety above all else.