Menu
23/02/2004
Minister launches prescription fraud initiative
Prescription fraud cost the NHS in Northern Ireland nearly £10 million last year, Health Minister Angela Smith revealed today.
The Minister was highlighting the figure as her Department launched a new campaign aimed at combating people who do not pay for their prescriptions.
She said: “I would remind those who continue to evade health service charges that they can be fined or even face criminal prosecution.
"Fraudulent claims are a significant drain on the resources available to the Department and one which I am determined to stop.”
Commenting on those who made such claims Angela Smith said: “In the last two years over 500 people were successfully brought to the small claims court to recover health charges they should have paid. Over 800 fixed penalty charges have already been levied on individuals.”
The Minister said that last years figure could have paid for 1,000 more cardiac operations or nearly 500 more nursing staff and that dealing with exemption fraud was a major priority for her department in the year ahead.
(MB)
The Minister was highlighting the figure as her Department launched a new campaign aimed at combating people who do not pay for their prescriptions.
She said: “I would remind those who continue to evade health service charges that they can be fined or even face criminal prosecution.
"Fraudulent claims are a significant drain on the resources available to the Department and one which I am determined to stop.”
Commenting on those who made such claims Angela Smith said: “In the last two years over 500 people were successfully brought to the small claims court to recover health charges they should have paid. Over 800 fixed penalty charges have already been levied on individuals.”
The Minister said that last years figure could have paid for 1,000 more cardiac operations or nearly 500 more nursing staff and that dealing with exemption fraud was a major priority for her department in the year ahead.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 January 2024
SF Calls For Executive To Deliver Fair Pay For Nurses
Sinn Féin has said that there should be no more delays in forming an Executive and delivering fair pay rises for nurses and public sector workers.
SF Calls For Executive To Deliver Fair Pay For Nurses
Sinn Féin has said that there should be no more delays in forming an Executive and delivering fair pay rises for nurses and public sector workers.
14 January 2020
'Breakthrough' £30m Pay Offer For Health Unions
A 'breakthrough' offer for salary parity has been tabled to health unions in Northern Ireland, the Health Minister has confirmed. Robin Swann said the offer comes after some very difficult days for local health services as he set out the terms to the newly formed Assembly.
'Breakthrough' £30m Pay Offer For Health Unions
A 'breakthrough' offer for salary parity has been tabled to health unions in Northern Ireland, the Health Minister has confirmed. Robin Swann said the offer comes after some very difficult days for local health services as he set out the terms to the newly formed Assembly.
01 December 2022
Mental Health Crisis 'Impossible To Tackle' Without Stormont – SDLP
The mental health crisis in Northern Ireland will become "impossible to tackle" without Stormont functioning, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. Mr McGrath said an Assembly and Executive was needed to fund a robust mental health strategy.
Mental Health Crisis 'Impossible To Tackle' Without Stormont – SDLP
The mental health crisis in Northern Ireland will become "impossible to tackle" without Stormont functioning, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. Mr McGrath said an Assembly and Executive was needed to fund a robust mental health strategy.
21 September 2004
Minister drills home tooth decay problem
Health Minister Angela Smith has launched a consultation document aimed at improving the state of people's teeth in Northern Ireland. The Oral Health Strategy is a 10-year plan which aims to improve the oral health of the entire population and reduce inequalities.
Minister drills home tooth decay problem
Health Minister Angela Smith has launched a consultation document aimed at improving the state of people's teeth in Northern Ireland. The Oral Health Strategy is a 10-year plan which aims to improve the oral health of the entire population and reduce inequalities.
14 February 2022
New Abuse And Violence Strategy Consultations Extended
The development period of two new Executive strategies aimed at tackling violence against women and girls and domestic and sexual abuse have been extended until 21 March. Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Robin Swann made the announcement as part of the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
New Abuse And Violence Strategy Consultations Extended
The development period of two new Executive strategies aimed at tackling violence against women and girls and domestic and sexual abuse have been extended until 21 March. Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Robin Swann made the announcement as part of the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
