Health sector scammed for $35 million

Last year, six doctors were found guilty of professional misconduct. Photo / Thinkstock

Health Minister Tony Ryall says everything is being done to prevent fraud in the health sector, despite it being scammed for $35 million in the past two years.

Of that, $19.4m has been recovered - $8.4m recovered in the last financial year and $11m in the previous year. Another $16.8m of fraud was adverted.

Mr Ryall told the Sunday Star Times that health boards and the ministry were making it a priority to prevent fraud.

"Every dollar saved is a dollar that can be spent on services.

"Millions are saved if we can prevent ineligible people accessing services, or bill them if they do. The health budget is around $14 billion every year and every dollar should be going on services for New Zealanders."

Last year, six doctors were found guilty of professional misconduct, five in 2009, four in 2008 and four in 2007.

The largest fraud was by Auckland doctor Hong Sheng Kong, who was ordered to repay $183,000 after adding fictitious details to his practice management system to claim subsidies. Auckland District Health Board hopes to recover an additional $1m in a civil case.

Patient scams were also common including a disabled Canterbury man who was convicted of forging documents and claimed payments of up to $50,000.

- NZPA