Health anti-corruption forum to curb fraud

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), in collaboration with other law enforcement units, has launched the National Health Anti-Corruption Forum to curb fraud, waste and abuse in the sector.

According to the SIU, the health sector has been prioritised for investigation due to its susceptibility to corruption. Head of the Special Investigating Unit, Advocate Andy Mothibi, said fraudulent activities taking place in the sector included false claims by doctors, pharmaceutical companies inflating prices, hijacking of ambulances and attacks on paramedics.

“Health plays a very important role in our lives.We are starting with the health sector because it has an impact on the lives of people,” he said.

Mothibi added that the unit and other stakeholders would further discuss the risk categories.

Research has shown that there are fraudulent claims, absenteeism and over-billing by service providers.

“We would like to improve the environment, especially in areas where there is fraud,” he said.

Other law enforcement agencies involved in the Health Sector Anti-Corruption Forum include the Hawks, the South African Revenue Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, the South African Police Service and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.