Attack and Defense in the Interrogation Room
The interrogation room at Changyang Police Station was brighter and more starkly lit than outside, casting a blinding light on every corner and revealing every subtle expression and movement. The air was thick with the peculiar smell of disinfectant, old furniture, and an invisible pressure.
Doctor Qin Ming sat in the specially made interrogation chair, but his posture did not appear awkward. He was still wearing his white coat, but he had taken off his suit jacket and was hanging it on the back of the chair.
His eyes behind the gold-rimmed Glasses were calm, even carrying a hint of intellectual arrogance. His hands rested naturally on the table, his fingertips occasionally tapping together unconsciously—a small habit he had when thinking.
The presiding judge was still the experienced Captain Li, with a recorder sitting next to him. The red light of the camera in the corner was steadily lit, recording everything.
"Qin Ming, I hope you understand that we are now conducting a formal interrogation, and it is your obligation to give a truthful account." Captain Li got straight to the point, his tone serious.
"Of course, officer, I understand. I will fully cooperate with the investigation." Qin Ming nodded slightly, his voice gentle and his words appropriate, as if he were attending an academic seminar.
"Patient Hou Xiaoya, during your treatment, why did you diagnose her with stage III lymphoma and administer high-intensity chemotherapy in the absence of a clear pathological gold standard?" Captain Li's question went straight to the heart of the matter.
Qin Ming adjusted his Glasses, a perfectly measured, regretful frankness on his face. "Officer, regarding the diagnosis, I admit that in Hou Xiaoya's case, our hospital, including myself, may have made... a misdiagnosis."
He directly stated this pre-set "bottom line".
"Medicine is a science that is constantly being explored and developed. Lymphoma itself has complex symptoms, especially in some atypical cases, where imaging examinations and clinical symptoms may be misleading."
Based on the available examination results and clinical experience at the time, we made what we believed to be the most logical judgment.
As the attending physician, I deeply regret and am saddened by the misdiagnosis. It truly reflects potential shortcomings in our medical standards, which require reflection and improvement.
He downplayed the serious diagnostic error as "medical limitations" and "insufficient expertise," completely avoiding any mention of subjective malice.
"Misdiagnosis?" Captain Li leaned forward, his gaze sharp as an eagle. "Just a misdiagnosis? According to the review by authoritative experts at the provincial hospital, excessive levels of anesthetic drugs were detected in the patient's body. How do you explain that? Especially since the patient's family requested a transfer, and the patient's condition 'coincidentally' worsened and he was admitted to the ICU!"
When anesthesia and the ICU were mentioned, Qin Ming's eyes flickered almost imperceptibly, but he quickly regained his composure. He sighed softly, his tone even carrying a hint of grievance:
"Officer, I need to clarify this issue. The patient was transferred to the ICU because we monitored drastic fluctuations in his vital signs and a continuous drop in blood oxygen saturation. This was a necessary measure based on medical safety considerations."
As for the detection of anesthetic drugs in the body... In the intensive care unit, the use of sedative and analgesic drugs is a routine medical procedure to reduce patient suffering and ensure the smooth progress of treatment procedures, a fact that any ICU doctor can attest to.
The dosage and type of medication were strictly calculated, and there was absolutely no situation of 'artificially creating a critical condition' as you described. This is a complete slander against the professional ethics of our medical staff."
He vehemently denied everything, cloaking all his actions in the guise of "standard medical procedures."
"So, when the patient's family clearly requested a transfer to another hospital, why did you try so hard to stop it, even speaking privately with the patient's parents to put pressure on them?" Captain Li attacked from a different angle.
"Obstruction? Applying pressure?" Qin Ming frowned slightly, as if he had heard something unbelievable. "Officer, you may have misunderstood. As the attending physician, I have an obligation to explain in detail to the patient's family the enormous risks that may exist in transferring the patient, especially for the patient they described as 'critically ill'."
Long-distance transport, changes in environment, or interruption of treatment—any one of these could lead to irreversible consequences. My insistence on communicating with them stems from a profound sense of responsibility for the patients' lives!
I believe it is unfair to interpret this professional and responsible advice as 'applying pressure'.
His explanation sounded reasonable, full of a doctor's "concern" and "responsibility" for his patients.
The interrogation lasted for several hours. Captain Li and his colleagues took turns trying to find flaws in Qin Ming's confession from various angles, or to guide him to admit to certain actions with subjective malice.
But Qin Ming, like a meticulously rehearsed actor, always firmly adhered to the bottom line of "misdiagnosis" and "standard medical procedures."
His answers were logically consistent, his use of medical terminology was precise, and his attitude remained politely aloof. Even when faced with certain repetitive or pointed questions, a very faint, almost imperceptible hint of disdain would flash deep in his eyes, as if he were mocking the police for their lack of medical knowledge and their futile efforts.
He only admitted to a misjudgment based on medical limitations, and firmly denied any allegations of intentional injury, unlawful detention, or fraud.
Captain Li's brow furrowed deeper and deeper. He knew that with the existing evidence (especially the lack of key physical evidence), Qin Ming's admission of "misdiagnosis" alone was insufficient to link him to more serious criminal charges. Medical malpractice? That would require extremely rigorous assessment and proof of gross negligence, a lengthy process with unpredictable outcomes. The other party was clearly highly skilled in this area and had already made thorough preparations.
This interrogation felt like punching a thick layer of cotton, leaving one feeling powerless and frustrated.
While Captain Li was engaged in a difficult interrogation with Qin Ming in the interrogation room, the atmosphere in the director's office upstairs in the police station was equally tense.
Director Wang sat behind his large desk, the ashtray in front of him already piled high with cigarette butts. He had just hung up a phone call, his fingers pressing hard against his throbbing temples, his face etched with exhaustion and frustration.
This was the fourth call he had received from "above" this morning.
The people on the other end of the phone came from different backgrounds and used different phrases. Some spoke in an official tone, showing concern for grassroots work, while others inquired about the progress of the case in a more subtle way. But their core message was surprisingly consistent:
"Old Wang, I heard you guys took on a hospital case? Medical issues are very complex and highly specialized."
"We must strictly abide by the law and follow procedures. We cannot wrong an innocent person, nor can we let a guilty person go unpunished."
"The chain of evidence must be solid and stand the test of time. If a crime is indeed committed, we will resolutely crack down on it and show no leniency!"
"But if it's just a simple medical dispute or a matter of skill level... well, we still have to trust the comrades in the health system; they're more professional. It's best to guide them through medical malpractice assessment or administrative mediation; maintaining overall stability is the priority..."
These words, like a needle hidden in cotton, seem dignified and emphasize the law and justice, but in reality, every word exerts invisible pressure. They imply, or even warn, that this case is murky, and one should be cautious, know how to "handle things properly," and it is best not to easily escalate to the criminal level.
Having worked in the public security system for decades, Director Wang was well aware of these underlying messages. The fact that Ankang Hospital could thrive locally indicated the existence of a deeply entrenched network of relationships. Now that the case had become serious and affected the interests of certain individuals, those pleading for leniency and exerting pressure naturally followed.
He picked up the teacup and gulped down a mouthful of the now-cold, strong tea, the bitter taste spreading through his mouth.
"Severely punish them all? Hand them over to the health department?" He muttered to himself, a mocking smile playing on his lips. He knew that if he followed the "suggestions" made over the phone, the case would most likely be dealt with slowly and quietly, citing "insufficient evidence" or "being a medical dispute," and eventually be dropped. The grievances of the little girl named Hou Xiaoya and her family would probably be difficult to redress through the law.
However, as a veteran police officer, he still retained the most basic insistence on justice. The diagnosis report issued by the provincial hospital, the girl's innocently ravaged body, and the family's desperate and indignant cries all weighed heavily on his heart like stones.
Another call came in, and the number displayed on the screen made his eyelids twitch.
He took a deep breath, composed himself, picked up the microphone again, and instantly switched to a smooth yet respectful expression:
"Hello, sir!... Yes, yes, rest assured, we will take this case very seriously and handle it strictly in accordance with legal procedures... Evidence? We are collecting it with all our might, but as you know, medical malpractice cases are difficult to investigate and require time... Please rest assured, sir, we will absolutely not let anyone go unpunished or guilty. We will protect the legitimate rights and interests of the victims while also maintaining the normal order of medical institutions... Yes, yes, I will report any progress to you as soon as possible..."
He skillfully dodged the questions from above with a string of platitudes, offering neither a clear promise to lower the tone nor a firm commitment to investigate thoroughly. He needed to buy time for his colleagues handling the case, and he also needed to find a path that could truly uphold the spirit of the law amidst the pressure from various forces.
After hanging up the phone, Director Wang leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and let out a long sigh.
The stalemate in the interrogation room and the pressure in the office foreshadowed that this battle surrounding Ankang Hospital would not be limited to the legal realm. He knew that the real storm might have only just begun. And all he could do was, within his capabilities, withstand this invisible pressure and prevent the truth from being completely buried.