Business

Bonitas facing investigation after medical schemes council flags tender concerns

Mthobisi Nozulela|Published

The Council for Medical Schemes has announced that it has resolved to launch a forensic investigation into Bonitas Medical Scheme

Image: Pixabay

The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has announced that it has resolved to launch a forensic investigation into Bonitas Medical Scheme.

This comes after a Section 43 enquiry, initiated earlier this year, found that allegations regarding Bonitas’ tender and procurement processes, the appointment of service providers such as Private Health Administrators for BonCap, and certain board decisions warranted further scrutiny.

In a statement, the watchdog said a comprehensive review of the submitted information had led to the decision to proceed with a forensic investigation.

"The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) wishes to place on record that it has now concluded its Enquiry. After a comprehensive review of the submitted information, the findings suggest that the allegations warrant further investigation". CMS said.

The watchdog added that the decision to launch a forensic investigation does not imply any predetermined outcome and that the process will be conducted objectively and transparently to safeguard members’ contributions and ensure accountability within the scheme.

"Consequently, the Registrar has resolved to initiate a forensic investigation to examine the full scope of the claims and to formulate appropriate recommendations," CMS said.

"Importantly, this decision does not imply any predetermined outcome. Altogether, the regulator assures the public that the investigative process will proceed objectively and transparently"

According to reports, Bonitas Medical Scheme has confirmed that it will co-operate fully with the CMS forensic investigation. The scheme stated that it intends to provide all requested information and support to ensure the investigation can be conducted thoroughly and efficiently.

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mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za

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