08 April 2005
NHS anti-fraud work saved the service £670m between 1999 and 2004, it emerged this week.
The NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service (CFSMS) said this included an estimated 55% reduction in frauds perpetrated by patients, such as falsely claiming free prescriptions. These had fallen from £171m in 1998/99 to £77m in 2003/04.
Up to March 2004, the CFSMS had brought 215 successful prosecutions (a 97% success rate) and 275 successful disciplinary and civil sanctions.
Its latest case involved civil action against Egyptian businessman Albert Girgis, who had falsely claimed to be a UK resident to receive free NHS treatment. He has now agreed to pay the NHS £30,000 for treatment he has received since 1992.
CFSMS chief executive Jim Gee said that this particular case was one example of the work being done to guard NHS finances.
He added: 'We know that the better we can protect the NHS and its resources the better the NHS can protect the public's health.'
PFapr2005
