Tougher healthcare oversight ordered
Minister of Health Nguyễn Thị Kim Tiến on March 20 urged inspectors from the central to grassroots levels to ensure that fines are handed out for violations of healthcare service regulations. The total amount of fines last year was only VNĐ7 billion (US$307,000), she said, adding that inspectors had often neglected their duty to fine violators. As a result, suppliers for schools and company canteens continued to violate food safety and hygiene regulations. Many private clinics that offer health exams and treatment were fined four or five times, but continued to ignore regulations, Tiến said.
