Bach Mai Hospital has recently issued warnings about fraudulent online appointment scheduling websites, which are deceiving patients and costing them money. This alarming trend has caught the attention of hospital administrators and medical professionals alike, as numerous individuals have fallen victim to these scams.
Recent reports indicate patients have been misled when searching for appointment information online. One affected family discovered this the hard way. While seeking to make health checks for their child, they encountered misleading advertisements promoting online appointment booking for Bach Mai Hospital. After clicking on one of these ads and following links to timkiemtrogiup.com, they connected with someone claiming to be hospital staff.
This alleged staff member instructed them to confirm their appointment via Zalo, requesting the payment of 600,000 VND ($26) to secure their booking. Shockingly, when they arrived at the hospital the following day, their appointment was nowhere to be found within the hospital's system.
Upon checking their Zalo messages again, the family found the confirmation had been retracted, leaving them unable to contact the so-called employee who had assured them their appointment was confirmed. The financial loss was compounded by the cost of the phone calls they made to this fraudulent service, charged at 8,000 VND per minute—four times the hospital's actual phone service rate.
A spokesperson from Bach Mai Hospital spoke on the matter, emphasizing the alarming reality of such scams. "The demand for quick medical treatment creates opportunities for scammers to exploit patients desperate for care," they mentioned. The hospital advised the public to exercise caution when searching for appointment information online, strongly recommending they consult only official hospital websites or reputable medical facilities to avoid falling victim to fraud.
Building awareness about these scams is now of utmost importance. The hospital not only seeks to mitigate patient losses but also aims to protect its reputation. Acknowledging the increasing public eagerness for medical assistance, officials pointed out how genuine appointment systems should function without demanding advance payments.
"Our system doesn’t require advance payment for appointments," stated another hospital representative, who stressed the importance of confirming appointment legitimacy through verified channels. Presenting secure methods for booking appointments has become imperative. Patients seeking services at Bach Mai can call the authorized hotline at 1900888866, use the official Bach Mai Care software, or visit their verified Facebook page and hospital website.
The rise of after-hours consultations has also been noted as beneficial for those unable to visit during regular hours. This service reduces stress for busy patients, allowing them to make appointments at their convenience without disrupting their daily schedules. Importantly, the quality of care remains consistent, even outside regular hours, with qualified medical professionals available at these times.
Bach Mai Hospital has taken proactive measures to implement after-hours medical services across various hospitals and clinics. This initiative not only accommodates rising patient demand but also alleviates strain on hospital resources during peak hours.
With modern technology aids now being utilized for patient registration, health service payments can be made seamlessly through applications or hospital websites. Patients benefit from quick and efficient appointment processes, ensuring their medical needs are met without interruption to their daily lives.
Dao Xuan Co, the director of Bach Mai Hospital, reiterated the efficiency found within after-hours consultations. "Providing these additional services reduces congestion during peak times and improves patient care quality and satisfaction. With fewer patients during off-peak hours, medical staff can spend more time with each individual, creating thorough care plans and ensuring patient concerns are comprehensively addressed. Patients will feel more secure throughout their care process, confident their health issues are being properly managed," he said.
Those needing appointments at Bach Mai and other hospitals are encouraged to seek only verified information sources. Bypassing unofficial web advertisements will greatly reduce the risk of online appointment fraud, saving time, money, and stress. The hospital has pledged to keep its community informed about potential scams, highlighting their official communication channels for making appointments and the need for vigilance against deceitful online practices.
With these warnings and the hospital's efforts to inform the public, patients can feel assured about receiving quality health care. It's time for individuals to take their health seriously and avoid get-rich-quick schemes from unscrupulous scammers.