Probe into Fake Gallbladder Surgeries, Custom Permits
Authorities have opened an investigation into fake gallbladder surgeries as well as custom permits — two examples of public money squandered for no good reason.
Health Minister Mohammed Jawad Khalife uncovered that hospitals and doctors were involved in scores of cases of forgery and cheating.
Khalife, in an interview with the daily As Safir published on Saturday, said he made the discovery "accidentally," thanks to the Electronic Control System which saves data of each surgery.
Khalife said the scam involved 20 doctors working in different hospitals "with bad reputation." He said each surgeon got a 25 percent increase for each surgery he performed.
Khalife, however, said the increase would be deducted from their dues and stressed that the ministry would take legal action against them.
Meanwhile, the customs department opened an investigation into forged permits by one of the customs clearance offices.
Caretaker Prime Minister Fouad Saniora on Friday contacted Finance Minister Mohammed Shatah and Prosecutor-General Saeed Mirza to be briefed on the latest developments regarding the probe.
Saniora stressed the "need to speed up investigations in order to take the necessary legal measures."