26 Feb 2010
The Department of Health (DH) is investigating a case involving improper claims by a private Chinese medicine practitioner enrolled in the department's Health Care Voucher Scheme.
The matter was referred to Police. The private Chinese Medicine practitioner has been removed as healthcare provider from the voucher scheme.
A department spokesman said that as stipulated under the terms and conditions of agreement, Health Care Vouchers are accepted as payment for healthcare services such as medical consultation, but should not be used for only purchasing drugs/Chinese medicines or other medical items.
Health care vouchers are valid within the three-year implementation period of the voucher scheme from January 2009 until the end of December, 2011.
Vouchers unused each year can be retained for use in the remaining period of the scheme.
The spokesman also said a mechanism is in place to ensure the proper disbursement of voucher claims. It comprises routine checking of claimed transactions, examination of relevant records, gathering information from voucher recipients and targeted investigations.