In a recent incident that has sparked widespread outrage in China, an eye doctor has been suspended and placed under investigation following the viral exposure of his inappropriate conduct during a surgical procedure. This case, involving an 82-year-old patient, has raised serious concerns about medical ethics and patient care in the country.
The incident occurred at a branch of the AIER Eye Hospital in Guigang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. During a cataract surgery in 2019, the doctor, surnamed Feng, reportedly punched his elderly patient, surnamed Qin, in the head. This altercation happened when the patient, under local anesthesia, felt discomfort and began moving her head and touching her face.
According to the hospital’s statement, the patient’s movements were potentially hazardous to the surgical process. However, Feng’s response to the situation was highly inappropriate. The patient, not fluent in Mandarin, failed to understand Feng’s instructions to remain still, leading to the doctor’s physical reaction. The hospital acknowledged that Feng’s actions, although not intended to harm, violated professional conduct.
The incident came to light when the patient’s son, surnamed Su, sought help from Ai Fen, a prominent doctor in Wuhan. Ai Fen, known for her role in the fight against Covid-19, shared the details on Weibo, where it quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation.
Following the public outcry, the AIER Eye Hospital admitted that the doctor’s behavior was unacceptable and breached medical staff conduct codes. Consequently, Feng was suspended, and the hospital’s CEO was dismissed for failing to escalate the matter to higher authorities.
The local health authority has initiated an investigation into the incident, promising to make the results public. The revelation of this case has led to intense discussions about medical ethics, patient rights, and the importance of proper communication between healthcare providers and patients, especially those with language barriers.
This case is not isolated in terms of medical misconduct in China. In a similar incident, a gynecologist in Jiangsu province faced suspension for sharing inappropriate patient images online, highlighting a broader issue of professional ethics within the medical community.
The incident involving the eye doctor in Guigang is a stark reminder of the need for stringent ethical standards in medical practice. It underscores the importance of patient dignity and respect, alongside the need for effective communication in healthcare settings. As the investigation proceeds, the medical community and public await a resolution that ensures such incidents are not repeated.
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