Three Thai clinics face fraud charges for fake service claims
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has initiated legal action against three clinics for fraudulently claiming payments without providing actual services. The clinics allegedly used student ID copies to falsely claim services yesterday, February 7.
Doctor Attaporn Limpanyalert, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, stated that at the end of January, the NHSO filed complaints against these clinics for fraud and falsifying electronic information under sections 341 of the Penal Code and section 14 (1) of the Computer Crime Act of 2007. This action follows the discovery that the clinics billed for healthcare services without actual patients.
The first clinic, located in Nakhon Ratchasima province, was reported in May last year for distributing free medication at a market in Mueang district. The NHSO Region 9 received this report. Over 30 individuals received services within an hour. However, an investigation revealed improper billing practices, suggesting false documentation. Between March 1 and May 9, the clinic submitted 3,859 claims, failing to provide supporting documents for 652 of these.
The second clinic, in Roi Et province, was investigated by NHSO Region 7 Khon Kaen. It recorded 728 home healthcare visits for chronic patients but could only provide documentation for 340. The clinic could not document 258 home visits, accounting for 35% of its claims.
The third clinic, in Sa Kaeo province, was reported in August 2024 via the NHSO hotline 1330. A customer was refused medication at a pharmacy due to records of prior service at the clinic, although they were in a different province for studies. The NHSO found incorrect billing with no service evidence. Calls to 64 patients revealed that 20 had never received services from the clinic. Additionally, it was found that the clinic used student ID copies to claim services for 88 individuals, totaling 117,000 baht in damages, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, Labour Ministry Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth has ordered an investigation into allegations that fraudulent health certificates are being sold to migrant workers, allegedly through connections with senior ministry officials.
Boonsong stressed that the ministry is taking these claims seriously and urged employers and representatives registering foreign workers to adhere to legal procedures, ensuring all health checks are legitimate. In response, he has directed the Department of Employment (DoE) to verify the reports and take appropriate action.
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