TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung’s health department is investigating K-Harbor International Hospital after unlicensed medical device company staff allegedly assisted with tasks during a surgical procedure.
CNA reported Wednesday that the department conducted an unannounced inspection after media reports emerged. Officials said they had not previously received complaints about the hospital.
The incident involved a lumbar spine operation on an 80-year-old woman that lasted more than four hours. The surgeon, surnamed Hsieh (謝), said he only asked a nurse and a vendor to measure a connecting rod while the patient was undergoing pressure hemostasis, UDN reported.
The hospital denied that any “surrogate surgery” occurred, saying the physician performed all critical parts of the operation. Hsieh said the vendor’s role was limited to equipment guidance after nerve decompression and other high-risk steps, per CNA.
The department said Hsieh admitted allowing similar assistance in operating rooms since 2020. Officials said the conduct violated the Physicians Act and the Medical Care Act, per Liberty Times.
Authorities said the doctor and the hospital could each face fines of up to NT$500,000 (US$15,800), per UDN. The physician will also be referred for professional disciplinary review.
In a separate case, CNA reported that a similar controversy has emerged at Taichung Veterans General Hospital. The hospital is under investigation over allegations that doctors allowed medical device company personnel to enter operating rooms without proper authorization.
