Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. Photo: Jacques Naudé
While the health portfolio committee supported the investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into medico-legal claims, the DA wants Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to account to Parliament on measures to combat the claims.
This comes after Motsoaledi provided a progress report at the weekend on the ongoing investigations by the SIU into medico-legal claims.
The SIU investigation, which started in 2017, found that most of the claims were targeting cerebral palsy, and that elderly people taking care of their grandchildren in the absence of their mothers were tricked into signing the power of attorney to sue for damages, among others.
DA spokesperson on health Michele Clarke said her party commended the SIU for its successful efforts in preventing over R3 billion from being paid out in fraudulent medico-legal claims.
Clarke said Dhlomo should summon Motsoaledi to account to Parliament for the measures being taken by his department and the provinces to combat these fraudulent claims.
“The minister and his department must take responsibility for failing to stem the tide, once they realised the onslaught in 2015. It is crucial that the minister indicates how the department plans to protect state resources from further looting and ensure that legitimate claims are processed without unnecessary delays,” she said.
Health portfolio committee chairperson Sibongiseni Dhlomo said the SIU investigation was not merely a procedural exercise but a critical step towards restoring integrity, accountability, and trust within the health sector.
Dhlomo said it was unacceptable that individuals and families, who genuinely required support and compensation for legitimate grievances were being exploited by unscrupulous actors seeking personal gain.
He said the SIU findings highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within the medico-legal framework.
“We must address the root causes of this crisis, including the need for improved patient-safety protocols, better record-keeping practices, and enhanced communication between healthcare providers and patients.
“The recommendations from the 2015 Medico-Legal Claims summit remain relevant, and we must revisit and implement these solutions with urgency,” Dhlomo said.
He said the referral of the implicated attorneys and healthcare professionals to the National Prosecuting Authority for criminal charges signified a robust response to corruption, and fraud within the system.
“It sends a clear message that unethical behaviour will not be tolerated and that those who exploit our healthcare system for personal gain will face the full force of the law.”
Dhlomo added that the SIU investigation was a vital step in ensuring that the National Health Insurance framework was established on a foundation of transparency, and accountability.
“As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders – healthcare professionals, legal practitioners, and the public – to collaborate in this endeavour. We must work together to restore faith in our healthcare system and ensure that it serves its primary purpose which is to provide care and support to those in need,” he said.
Cape Times