Hanoi Police have decided to prosecute ten health officials from the Hoai Duc district Hospital for allegedly duplicating about 1,000 blood-test results for up to 2,000 patients.

Hospital Director Nguyen Tri Liem and Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Nhien will be prosecuted for lacking responsibility to cause serious consequences pursuant to Article 285 of the Penal Code.

The eight other hospital laboratory workers will be prosecuted on charges of abusing power while on duty, following Article 281 of the Penal Code.

The initial investigation results by police revealed that the hospital conducted nearly 25,000 blood tests for patients from August 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013 and provided 1,149 duplicate blood test results to patients.

Vuong Thi Kim Thanh, head of the hospital's laboratory, admitted that the aim of the action was to squeeze money out of the hospital's insurance fund.

Each blood test result receives 21,000 VND (1 USD) worth of social insurance.

The case was brought to light following denunciation from some health officials of the hospital.

The hospital director, Nguyen Tri Liem, and some other health officials related to the case were temporarily suspended pending further investigation.

Under Article 281 of the Penal Code, those found abusing their power while on duty will be sentenced up to 15 years in prison, depending on the level of their infringement and consequences. They could also be suspended from their position between one to five years and fined between 3-30 million VND (142-1,420 USD).

Under Article 285 of the Penal Code, those found lacking responsibility leading to serious consequences will be sentenced up to 12 years in prison and suspended from their position between 1-3 years depending on the level of their violation.

Hanoi authorities rewarded the sources behind the revelation and asked relevant agencies to take measures to protect them.

Since August 13, the hospital has offered free re-checks for patients who received duplicated blood-test results.

Health officials from other hospitals, including Ha Dong, Saint Paul and Thanh Nhan, have been appointed to support the Hoai Duc Hospital with medical examination and treatment while the investigation continues.-VNA