2 accused of causing hospital disturbance

Two men accused of leading more than 100 people into a hospital to demand an explanation for the death of one of their friends turned themselves in to police in Chaozhou, Guangdong province, on Wednesday.

A man surnamed Ke, 37, began vomiting and fell into a coma after drinking too much on Tuesday night and was sent to Chaozhou Zhongxin Hospital, according to a doctor at the hospital who refused to be named.

Ke died at 2:50 pm the next day, the doctor said.

Upon hearing of his death, two of Ke's friends led a group of around 100 people — relatives and friends of Ke — into the hospital to seek an explanation. Their presence disrupted the normal operations of the hospital.

The two men blamed Ke's death on the young doctor who was responsible for his treatment, and surrounded him.

The men later surrendered to police, and the hospital returned to normal operations around 8 pm on Wednesday, the doctor said.

Chaozhou city government has promised to investigate the case to the fullest extent and make the findings public.

Wu Shaolin, executive president of Guangdong Provincial Medical Doctor Association, said his association has asked relevant departments to investigate the case and punish those who harassed the doctors.

"No matter what had happened, harassing the doctors has violated laws and relevant regulations," Wu said.

He said patients and doctors should trust and respect each other.

"Things will become even worse if patients or their family members attack doctors, destroy hospital facilities and cause other trouble," Wu added.

Wang Hui, deputy director of Guangdong Mediation Commission of Harmony Doctor and Patient Relations, said people must respect doctors and medical science.

"Doctors cannot cure all diseases," Wang said.

Wang urged government departments to improve medical facilities to make it easier for people to see a doctor and ease the high tension between doctors and patients.