Good Family Clinic Denies Hidden Camera Allegations, States Surveillance is Standard and Patients are Informed

Following a series of allegations regarding hidden cameras in clinics, the well-known urology clinic 'Good Family Clinic' has also been accused of installing hidden cameras. In response, Good Family Clinic released a lawyer's statement emphasizing that all surveillance equipment within the clinic are clearly visible, standard systems. They stated the purpose is to ensure the smooth progress of medical consultations and protect the rights of both medical staff and patients. Patients are clearly informed and consent is obtained during their first visit, and if a patient does not wish to be recorded, the lens can be physically covered. The clinic warned that legal responsibility will be pursued against those who spread false information.

Multiple chain medical aesthetic clinics have recently been exposed for allegedly installing hidden cameras, and investigations are underway by police and prosecutors. Minister of Health and Welfare, Shih Chung-liang, made strong remarks today, stating that based on the current understanding, these acts include willful and intentional behavior, and are not isolated incidents. He declared they are "unforgivable" and have requested the Department of Medical Affairs to take action, including suspension of operations according to the law.

However, the issue continues to escalate. A netizen posted on the social platform Threads, stating that in 2024, they underwent 6 treatment sessions at the well-known Zhongshan Good Family Urology Clinic in Taipei City. During the sessions, their lower body was fully exposed. Due to recent events, they compared photos and discovered something resembling a pinhole camera in a wall corner. They noted that the signed consent form "did not mention recording" and warned other patients to be cautious.

Good Family Clinic, through Ming Yong United Law Offices, issued a statement this evening, asserting that the installation of standard surveillance equipment (CCTV) in medical institutions is a common practice in most healthcare facilities today. The purpose is to ensure the smooth progress of medical consultations and protect the rights and interests of both medical staff and patients, thereby avoiding disputes.

The statement explained that the clinic has installed surveillance cameras (CCTV) in public areas and some consultation areas, all of which are clearly visible and standard surveillance systems. The primary objectives are to ensure patient safety during medical treatment and the environment, to respond appropriately to medical emergencies, and to assist in clarifying disputes when medical conflicts arise. This is considered a standard practice for medical institutions.

Secondly, the clinic strictly adheres to privacy boundaries and absolutely does not film specific cases or private parts. The statement indicated that according to relevant medical regulations, equipment required for treatment and safety within the clinic is subject to prior notification. Patients are clearly informed about the presence of recording equipment through prominent on-site notices, relevant medical process forms, or written documents during their first visit. This regulation covers all routine medical consultation behaviors within the clinic.

Furthermore, the statement pointed out that current initial visit forms and some specific surgical consent forms also explicitly include relevant clauses. To fully protect patient autonomy, if a patient clearly expresses disagreement with recording, clinic staff will stop the recording process of the treatment by "physically covering the lens."

The statement mentioned that all video and audio recordings within the clinic are subject to strict internal access controls. Standard video files are retained for only 3 months according to regulations and are then regularly destroyed. 'Good Family Clinic' strictly adheres to relevant regulations such as the 'Medical Act' and the 'Personal Data Protection Act.' Any footage is solely used for internal medical quality control and security records, and is absolutely not leaked or used for any other improper purposes.

The statement concluded by saying, 'Good Family Clinic' has always upheld principles of professionalism and integrity. All medical operations strictly comply with laws and regulations, with patient rights and privacy protection as the primary consideration. They fully understand the importance of mutual trust between doctors and patients, and also fully understand the public's emphasis on medical privacy. If there are any doubts, they welcome direct verification to avoid unverified information affecting the quality of the medical environment. The statement finally emphasized, "If there are individuals intentionally spreading rumors and maliciously disseminating false and deceptive information about 'Good Family Clinic,' this office will, at the request of the party concerned, pursue relevant civil and criminal liabilities according to the law, and will not show leniency." (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150508