In a shocking incident captured on surveillance camera in 2019, a Chinese surgeon from Aier China, a prominent ophthalmology hospital in Guigang, has been suspended following the release of a video showing his alleged assault on an 82-year-old female patient during eye surgery.
The video, shared on Weibo by Dr. Ai Fen, director of Wuhan Central Hospital’s emergency department and a notable figure in early reports on the Wuhan Covid outbreak, reveals the surgeon delivering three forceful punches to the elderly patient’s head.
Aier China claims that the surgeon’s actions were a response to the patient’s failure to follow instructions during the surgery, asserting that the patient, who spoke a local dialect, couldn’t comprehend the surgeon’s instructions in Mandarin.
The incident has sparked public outrage not only for the apparent violence but also for the subsequent revelations surrounding the incident. Local authorities reported that the woman suffered bruises to her forehead as a result of the alleged assault.
In a statement, the hospital defended the surgeon’s actions, citing concerns about the risk of infection in the sterile surgical area near the eyes. The statement explained, “During the operation, due to local anesthesia, the patient had surgical intolerance and reached up to try to touch [her] eyes. The area near the eyes is a sterile surgical area. Once touched, it may cause infection…the doctor wanted to avoid danger.”
Despite the hospital’s justifications, the patient’s son claims to have received an apology and compensation of 500 yuan ($70) but asserts that his mother is now blind in her left eye.
The release of the video has prompted a broader investigation into the hospital’s conduct, revealing that the incident was not initially reported. Consequently, the surgeon has been suspended, and the CEO of the hospital group has been dismissed. The incident has raised questions about patient safety and the accountability of medical professionals, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of hospital practices and procedures.
