Police Send Two, Including Doctor, to Prosecution Over Death of Hong Kong Woman During Surgery

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The police investigating the case of a Hong Kong woman who died after undergoing liposuction surgery have determined that the doctor who performed the surgery was negligent and have sent the case to the prosecution.

The Metropolitan Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 22nd that they have sent orthopedic specialist Dr. A, who is suspected of professional negligence causing death, violation of the Medical Overseas Advancement Act, and violation of the Narcotics Control Act, to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment.

Dr. A performed liposuction surgery on the late Bonnie Evita Lo (35), the third-generation heir of a Hong Kong clothing conglomerate, on January 28. During the surgery, Lo’s oxygen saturation (the maximum amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the blood) dropped sharply, and she was transported to the hospital bleeding from her nose and mouth, but she ultimately died that day.

It is known that Lo was introduced to this hospital through a Korean broker and underwent the surgery. Lo’s family filed a complaint with the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, and the Medical Investigation Team of the Metropolitan Investigation Unit of the Seoul Police Agency took over the case and conducted an investigation.

The police investigation confirmed professional negligence by the medical staff during the liposuction procedure. They also uncovered illegalities related to the process of attracting foreign patients, the surgical consent process, and the management of propofol.

Meanwhile, the police also sent the hospital’s counseling director, Mr. B, to the prosecution without detention on charges of forgery and use of a forged signature, as he allegedly forged and used Lo’s signature on the surgical consent form along with Dr. A.