NHSO Files Police Complaint, Investigating Potential Fraud at Health Service Centers
PUBLISHED: 10 Jan 2025 at 18:53
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has initiated a police complaint in Chiang Rai province against a clinic suspected of defrauding the universal healthcare system, allegedly involving at least one “ghost patient.”
Dr. Attaporn Limpanyalert, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, lodged the complaint at the Ban Du police station in Wieng Pa Pao district, accusing the clinic of illegally acquiring 1.8 million baht from the agency.
The name of the clinic is currently withheld, with the agency revealing that it joined the NHSO in October 2023.
The decision to investigate stems from multiple complaints, including one regarding a patient unable to access universal healthcare due to their name being erroneously associated with the suspected clinic.
Reports to the NHSO’s official communication channels indicated an unusually high number of patients registered with the clinic, with claims that the clinic owner directed patients visiting hospitals to utilize their services instead.
The NHSO has not disclosed the name of the hospital involved or whether the clinic owner is a medical professional.
Additional information from community sources suggested that the clinic collected IDs from clients to process reimbursements from the NHSO, offering items like milk and shampoo in return.
According to Dr. Attaporn, initial investigations indicate grounds for the NHSO to escalate the matter to law enforcement.
“The NHSO will broaden its investigations to other clinics in the system if any unusual reimbursement patterns are identified,” stated Dr. Attaporn.
The NHSO oversees the universal healthcare scheme, which enables clinics and other health centers to participate, serving as primary healthcare providers for patients enrolled in the program.
