Fatal stabbing of retired dentist highlights deep-rooted problems in Chinese health system
Killing will have chilling effect on already troubled patient-doctor relations, insider says
The fatal stabbing of a retired Guangzhou dentist by a patient he treated 25 years ago has again prompted public soul-searching over deep-rooted problems in China’s health system.
Chen Zhongwei, a former head of dental medicine at the Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, was stabbed at his home on Thursday by a man demanding compensation for alleged discolouration of his teeth after treatment in 1991, according to a notice on the hospital’s website.
Chen died on Saturday and the attacker killed himself by jumping off a building after the stabbing. Police are investigating the motive for the attack.
Hundreds of medical staff and Guangzhou residents gathered at the city’s Hero Square to remember Chen on Saturday night, according to local media reports.
Retired dentist dies after being stabbed by ex-patient
Chen’s death comes amid continued debate over who should be held responsible for the death last month of 21-year-old student Wei Zexi. Wei and his family spent more than 200,000 yuan (HK$239,000) on experimental treatment that topped a Baidu search for his cancer. The paramilitary hospital where he was treated allegedly had links to dubious private service providers.
