The ongoing investigation into fraudulent medico-legal claims has shed light on systemic corruption within South Africa's healthcare sector, revealing collusion between attorneys, healthcare professionals, and intermediaries. Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi and Head of Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Andy Mothibi have identified fraudulent activities involving fabricated or inflated claims, often submitted without the knowledge or consent of patients.
A staggering R100 billion in claims has burdened provincial health departments since 2015, with over R33 billion under active SIU investigation. This misconduct is not limited to false medico-legal claims, recent controversies in health-related tenders, such as the R836-million project to install oxygen plants in hospitals, further emphasize the endemic challenges of transparency and accountability. To further unpack we are joined on the line by Charlton Murove, Head Of Research at the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF)