EHFCN conference maps out strategy to prevent healthcare fraud and corruption

Thursday, 08 October 2009 14:40

The European Healthcare Fraud & Corruption Network (EHFCN) conference has called upon stronger cooperation between member states to tackle healthcare fraud and corruption. Meeting in Edinburgh on October 7, around 100 delegates from 16 countries representing Ministries of Health, sickness funds, healthcare providers and other parties committed to strengthen co-operation in their fight against healthcare fraud and corruption.

Centered on the theme of Cross-Border Healthcare in Europe, the conference discussed possible consequences of the draft EU directive 2005/36/EC giving patients and practitioners the right to free movement throughout Members States.

“Although EHFCN supports patients and healthcare providers’ mobility, we also warn decision-makers of the risks of increased fraud and corruption in this sector,” said Paul Vincke, President of EHFCN. “We call on them that provision is made to reduce losses to a minimum; we also look forward to implementing solutions that were advanced at the conference.”

Cooperation between member states and between healthcare parties was perceived a key to successfully tackling cross-border fraud and corruption. Sharing information is vital and can be started on a small scale between members in neighbouring countries.

An example is the bilateral cooperation agreement between the French health insurance fund for salaried employees (CNAMTS) and the Belgian National institute of disability and health insurance (INAMI/RIZIV). The main purpose of this agreement is to facilitate the quick exchange of files and information in order to improve research and investigation. The agreement will be signed on 21st October and take effect as of 2010.