Cosmetic surgery clinics under strict scrutiny

Cat Tuong Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, located on 45 Giai Phong Road, Hanoi, conducted abdominoplasty, on 39-year-old Le Thi Thanh Huyen on October 19. However, the patient died after a four-hour operation.

In the evening of the same day, Doctor Nguyen Manh Tuong, 40, who conducted the surgery, drove the dead body and threw it into the Red River. He was aided by the clinic’s security guard Dao Quang Khanh, 17, who used Huyen’s motorbike to escort Tuong.

The case was uncovered when a passer-by found Huyen’s belongings, including her cell phone, kept in the motorbike Khanh left over at the scene.

Nguyen Huu Huy, Huyen’s husband, received a phone call from the passer-by and identified his wife’s motorbike after rushing to the scene.

He returned home and found Huyen’s receipt given by Cat Tuong Cosmetic Surgery Clinic. He informed local police about the news.

Nguyen Manh Tuong at the investigation agency

After intensive investigations, the police found the Cat Tuong clinic caused Huyen’s death, and they detained doctor Tuong on October 21 for further investigations. Tuong was working for Bach Mai hospital.

The police also summoned the clinic’s security guard and other staff for questioning.

At an urgent meeting late on October 22, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Xuyen said the ministry’s leaders were saddened to hear the news and they shared sympathy with Huyen’s family.

The ministry denounces doctor Tuong’s unacceptable act and is willing to cooperate with the investigation agency to provide information and bring the case to light, said Xuyen.

The ministry asked Bach Mai hospital to consider disciplining doctor Tuong when investigation is underway.

Cat Tuong Cosmetic Surgery Clinic is said to operate without license.

Police forces from Hanoi, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, Ha Nam and Haiphong are canvassing a large area along the Red River to search for the dead body.