Health Minister’s Failure to Stem Fraudulent Medico-Legal Claims

Dear Editor

The DA commends the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for its successful efforts in preventing over R3 billion from being paid out in fraudulent medico-legal claims and calls on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Chair on Health, Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to summon the Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, to account to Parliament for the measures being taken by his Department and the provinces to combat this issue.

Launched in 2017, the ongoing SIU investigation has exposed hundreds of false claims submitted to provincial governments, revealing attempts to siphon off funds intended for quality health care in South Africa. These fraudulent activities have potentially delayed legitimate claims, prolonging the suffering of deserving claimants. Despite the SIU’s efforts, it is clear that the threat of investigation has only partially deterred those seeking to exploit the system.

All the heavy lifting cannot be done by the SIU alone. The Minister and his Department must take responsibility for failing to stem the tide once they realised the onslaught in 2015. It is crucial that the Minister indicates how the department plans to protect state resources from further looting and ensure that legitimate claims are processed without unnecessary delays.

The DA remains committed to holding government accountable and ensuring that public funds are used to improve healthcare services for all South Africans.

Regards

Michele Clarke MP
DA Spokesperson on Health