Homoeopathic scam diagnosed

2003-02-26 14:50

Johannesburg - Medical-aid operator Medscheme said on Wednesday its fraud unit had uncovered a scam in which 18 people got professional registration from the Allied Health Professions Council of SA as homoeopaths, based on false qualifications.

"The investigation led investigators from Medscheme and an official from the SA National Prosecuting Authority to London, to meet Interpol.

Assistance from Interpol detectives helped Medscheme obtain affidavits which will be valid for prosecution under South African law," the company said.

Medscheme director Gary Taylor said: "The bogus qualifications come from the UK's 'Hahnemann Institute', which does not exist.

"We have notified the Allied Health Professions Council, who we hope will de-register these 18 people immediately.

"In addition, the national prosecuting authority can now decide whether it wants to proceed with criminal charges.

"It is an outrage that medical-aid members have been exploited by practitioners with fraudulent international qualifications," Taylor said.

Medscheme said its fraud unit recovered more than R35m from medical practitioners last year, bringing it into conflict with small-time crooks as well as professional syndicates.

"The majority of doctors are ethical and honest, but the small minority of fraudsters must be brought to book," said Taylor.

"We are protecting the financial interests of patients who are often unaware of sophisticated fraud scams which cost them money."

- SAPA