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23/02/2004
Minister launches prescription fraud initiative
Prescription fraud cost the NHS in Northern Ireland nearly £10 million last year, Health Minister Angela Smith revealed today.
The Minister was highlighting the figure as her Department launched a new campaign aimed at combating people who do not pay for their prescriptions.
She said: “I would remind those who continue to evade health service charges that they can be fined or even face criminal prosecution.
"Fraudulent claims are a significant drain on the resources available to the Department and one which I am determined to stop.”
Commenting on those who made such claims Angela Smith said: “In the last two years over 500 people were successfully brought to the small claims court to recover health charges they should have paid. Over 800 fixed penalty charges have already been levied on individuals.”
The Minister said that last years figure could have paid for 1,000 more cardiac operations or nearly 500 more nursing staff and that dealing with exemption fraud was a major priority for her department in the year ahead.
(MB)
The Minister was highlighting the figure as her Department launched a new campaign aimed at combating people who do not pay for their prescriptions.
She said: “I would remind those who continue to evade health service charges that they can be fined or even face criminal prosecution.
"Fraudulent claims are a significant drain on the resources available to the Department and one which I am determined to stop.”
Commenting on those who made such claims Angela Smith said: “In the last two years over 500 people were successfully brought to the small claims court to recover health charges they should have paid. Over 800 fixed penalty charges have already been levied on individuals.”
The Minister said that last years figure could have paid for 1,000 more cardiac operations or nearly 500 more nursing staff and that dealing with exemption fraud was a major priority for her department in the year ahead.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
