Chinese authorities are investigating a hospital after a video went viral showing a surgeon allegedly punching a patient during surgery. The incident, which took place in 2019 but only came to light recently, has sparked outrage among the Chinese public. The hospital’s parent group, Aier China, has taken action by suspending the surgeon and dismissing the CEO of the hospital where the incident occurred.
The video, shared on Chinese social media platforms, shows the surgeon punching the patient in the head multiple times while operating on their eyes. According to Aier China, the patient, an 82-year-old woman, had moved her head and eyeballs during the surgery due to local anesthesia. As the patient appeared to be unresponsive to the doctor’s warnings in Mandarin, the surgeon claimed to have treated her roughly in an emergency situation.
Local authorities have confirmed that the patient sustained bruises on her forehead. However, it remains unclear whether the incident resulted in the patient’s blindness in her left eye. The hospital management apologized to the patient’s family and offered 500 yuan ($70) as compensation. Aier China admitted that the hospital failed to report the incident to headquarters, which led to further consequences.
The surgeon involved in the incident is not only facing suspension but is also the hospital’s dean. Aier China announced the dismissal of the Guiyang hospital CEO and emphasized that the actions taken were due to “serious violations of the group’s regulations,” including other unspecified offenses. This incident has raised concerns about the treatment of patients and the overall ethical standards within the medical profession in China.
The timing of the incident becoming public is significant, as it follows a high-profile legal dispute between Aier China and Dr. Ai Fen, a well-known Chinese doctor. Dr. Ai, who was part of the group that first alerted the public to the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, had posted the CCTV footage of the surgery on her Weibo account, where she has a substantial following. She has accused Aier China of causing her potential blindness in one eye after undergoing surgery at one of their hospitals. Aier China, however, has denied these allegations.
This incident has sparked outrage and led to widespread public condemnation in China. Many Chinese citizens are expressing their concerns about the treatment of elderly patients and the lack of accountability within the healthcare system. The incident also raises questions about the overall quality of healthcare and patient safety in China’s hospitals. People are demanding stricter regulations and increased transparency to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Furthermore, this incident highlights the power of social media in raising public awareness and holding institutions accountable. The viral video has brought attention to an incident that otherwise may have remained hidden. It serves as a reminder that the public’s voice can have a significant impact on driving change and ensuring accountability.
As this story continues to unfold, it is crucial for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate actions against those responsible. Additionally, it is necessary for the healthcare system in China to reassess its practices and prioritize patient well-being. Building trust and confidence among the public will be essential to ensure that incidents like these are not repeated. The outcome of this investigation and the subsequent reforms implemented will have a significant impact on the perception of healthcare in China and the trust between patients and medical professionals.
