Mini-PROTEAN electrophoresis system from Bio-Rad

After the bribery scandal involving the US-based Bio-Rad, a number of hospitals in Vietnam have been put under scrutiny. Between 2005 and 2009, Bio-Rad had several contracts to provide pharmaceuticals to hospitals, but the contracts also made it compulsory for these hospitals to purchase expensive medical equipment.

In 2009, Bio-Rad suddenly withdrew from the country, causing commotion at hospitals, which did not have their chemical contracts fulfilled.

Nguyen Truong Son, director of Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City, said, "We used various kinds of chemicals supplied by Bio-Rad. After they withdrew, much of the equipment in our hospital couldn't because Bio-Rad had a monopoly over the market in Vietnam at the time."

Thanh Hai Phan, director of Medic Medical Centre confirmed that in 2005, Bio-Rad was the only supplier in Vietnam of blood sugar testing systems, but that after purchase, the service was not good.

Leaders of many hospitals declined to confirm or deny whether they used Bio-Rad equipment. The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion and Bach Mai Hospital said they would have to their equipment and contracts between 2005 and 2013.

The Vietnam National Cancer Hospital and the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases also would not make a statement on the matter.

On November 12, an inspection team from the Ministry of Health will visit several hospitals in question.