Medical kickback claims to be probed

June 20 2000

A preliminary inquiry will be conducted into recent allegations of financial kickbacks in the medical profession, the Health Professions Council of South Africa said on Tuesday.

"The aim is to ascertain whether there is substance in the allegations. Should that be the case, we will decide on further action," acting council registrar Leonhard Rode said in Pretoria.

Such action could entail a full-blown investigation or disciplinary steps.

The Star newspaper last month reported that it had obtained documentation showing that two of South Africa's biggest pathology groups - Ampath and Lancet (Pathcare) - were paying millions to doctors in kickbacks each year.

Commissions paid last year to 84 doctors by Lancet reportedly averaged R247 000 a month, while Ampath paid R3,9-million to 103 doctors in one year.

Rode on Tuesday said no one had as yet approached the council with evidence that he or she had been a victim of such kickbacks.

"But we have names and other information published in the media that will be investigated. We think we have enough to warrant a preliminary inquiry," he said.

A six-man committee had been set to conduct the investigation, the council said. It would be headed by Len Becker, chairman of the Medical and Dental Professional Board.

The other members are:

Brian Brink, chairman of the Board of Healthcare Funders
Bob Charlton, former rector of Witwatersrand University
Mac Robertson, former member of the Interim National Medical and Dental Council of SA
Yk Seedat, member of the Medical and Dental Professional Board
Billy van der Merwe, a lawyer and former director of Sanlam.

The committee would start its work as soon as possible.

Interested parties or members of the public with information on kickbacks should not hesitate to come forward, the council said. - Sapa

Acknowledgement to