Hanoi hospitals accused of taxi firm deals to overcharge patients
The Ministry of Health has asked six hospitals in Hanoi to respond to accusations that they have co-operated with some local taxi companies to overcharge patients.
Cars are banned from parking near hospital entrances, however, many taxis have been parking to search for passengers at the entrance of several hospitals in Hanoi.
On August 9, three ambulances to Bach Mai Hospital were stuck in congestion on Giai Phong Street because hundreds of taxis were parking on the side despite no parking sign. The cars were from Thanh Loi, Van Xuan and Song Hong taxi firms, with Thanh Loi Taxi Firm having appeared to almost have an official taxi rank.
As soon as a Thanh Loi taxi moved out of the spot, a man with a walkie-talkie will direct another car to park there. When there is congestion, the police only signalled to the taxis to continue moving but immediately fined civilian cars. They did not seem to notice 20 taxis parked nearby.
Moreover, passengers are forced to pay different prices despite what is shown on the taximeter or else they will be kicked out. The drivers also only accept over 5-km trips.
Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Viet Tien said they would inspect and propose solutions for the problem.
"The purpose of taxi or ambulance services at hospitals is to support medical examination and treatment so patients are their first priority. It has to be fair and there must be no monopolies or cartels," said Luong Ngoc Khue, Director General of the Medical Examination and Treatment Department.
On October 26, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Vietnam-Germany Hospital, Vietnam National Children's Hospital and National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reported that they did sign exclusive contracts with some taxi firms.
Representatives of the hospitals said because the hospital premises are not large enough, they only want to make contracts with one firm to avoid congestion. They promised to work with at least another firm in the future.
Chief Inspector of the Department of Transport Tran Dang Hai said that they would set up inspection teams from October 27 to completely deal with the problem. The teams must submit daily reports and the inspectorate will work each taxi firm depend on the daily results.
Cars are banned from parking near hospital entrances, however, many taxis have been parking to search for passengers at the entrance of several hospitals in Hanoi.
On August 9, three ambulances to Bach Mai Hospital were stuck in congestion on Giai Phong Street because hundreds of taxis were parking on the side despite no parking sign. The cars were from Thanh Loi, Van Xuan and Song Hong taxi firms, with Thanh Loi Taxi Firm having appeared to almost have an official taxi rank.
As soon as a Thanh Loi taxi moved out of the spot, a man with a walkie-talkie will direct another car to park there. When there is congestion, the police only signalled to the taxis to continue moving but immediately fined civilian cars. They did not seem to notice 20 taxis parked nearby.
A man with a walkie-talkie directs a Thanh Loi taxi to park near Bach Mai Hospital
Moreover, passengers are forced to pay different prices despite what is shown on the taximeter or else they will be kicked out. The drivers also only accept over 5-km trips.
Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Viet Tien said they would inspect and propose solutions for the problem.
"The purpose of taxi or ambulance services at hospitals is to support medical examination and treatment so patients are their first priority. It has to be fair and there must be no monopolies or cartels," said Luong Ngoc Khue, Director General of the Medical Examination and Treatment Department.
On October 26, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Vietnam-Germany Hospital, Vietnam National Children's Hospital and National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reported that they did sign exclusive contracts with some taxi firms.
Representatives of the hospitals said because the hospital premises are not large enough, they only want to make contracts with one firm to avoid congestion. They promised to work with at least another firm in the future.
Chief Inspector of the Department of Transport Tran Dang Hai said that they would set up inspection teams from October 27 to completely deal with the problem. The teams must submit daily reports and the inspectorate will work each taxi firm depend on the daily results.
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