TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Veterans General Hospital confirmed Friday that two of its doctors permitted unlicensed personnel from a medical device company to perform surgical procedures on patients.

The case emerged after a report by CtWant in early January, which stated that doctors had allowed company staff to participate in surgeries. The hospital reviewed 2023 operating room footage on Thursday, providing a fuller record of the procedures, according to CNA.

The investigation confirmed that doctors Yang Ming-yin (楊孟寅) and Cheng Wen-yu (鄭文郁) allowed unlicensed individuals to perform surgeries in restricted areas. The hospital board has suspended both doctors’ surgical privileges and referred the matter to its personnel evaluation committee for disciplinary action.

Taichung District Prosecutors Office said the two doctors were interrogated Thursday and that prosecutors have applied for their detention on suspicion of breaking the Physicians Act. The court has not yet ruled on the request.

The hospital apologized for causing public concern and thanked whistleblowers who brought the matter to light. It also said it has strengthened operating room protocols, established a real-time reporting system, and implemented measures to protect whistleblowers.