Rorting Auckland GP faces licence loss

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An Auckland GP who has been punished for doctoring patients files to rort health authorities now faces losing his medical licence.

Dr Hong Sheng Kong, 44, of Pakuranga, was sentenced to a year's home detention and 400 hours community service last November after he admitted dishonesty charges in the Auckland District Court.

At his Panmure practice thousands of alterations were made to computer records on which claims for taxpayer funding were based.

The amount of the fraudulent conduct was $183,134.

He has made full reparations to the Auckland District Health Board.

Today at the heath practioners disciplinary tribunal in Auckland, Dr Kong admitted that his convictions reflected adversely on his fitness to practice medicine.

Jo Hughson, a lawyer for the medical council professional conduct committee, called for Dr Kong's name to be struck off the medical registrar.

"...cancellation of registration is necessary for the creditability of the tribunal to be maintained, as well as the confidence of the medical profession at large."

She said, if the tribunal chose not to strike him off, it should suspend him for three years.

However Dr Kong's lawyer, Harry Waalkens QC, argued for a suspension that was itself suspended, unless any new concerns arose.

He said the case did not warrant striking off and said suspension would be harsh and excessive.

It would not serve the public interest because of the rarity doctors who, like Dr Kong, were from China and spoke Chinese.

He served a needy and large Chinese community, Mr Waalkens said.