The High Council of Magistracy has authorized Judge Carlos Alexandre to lead the newly established Commission for Combating Fraud in the National Health Service. Health Minister Ana Paula Martins emphasized that the commission’s objective is to ensure that the investments made in the National Health Service benefit the health of the Portuguese people.
During her visit to Local Health Units in Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde, Martins stated that the initiative reinforces the existing efforts by entities such as the Health Activities General Inspectorate by utilizing available information sources to ensure the efficient use of public resources funded by taxpayers.
The minister assured that the commission would enhance the monitoring, evaluation, and prevention capabilities in combating fraud without undermining the authority of existing entities such as the Inspectorate General of Health Activities.
The unit, similar to those in other countries, will operate with limited resources, as personnel working with Judge Carlos Alexandre will be full-time appointees from various organizations. This additional support aims to ensure that every penny invested in the National Health Service contributes directly to improving the Portuguese public’s health.
Carlos Alexandre’s service commission was unanimously approved by the 17 members of the Plenary Council of the High Council of Magistracy.
Previously, Carlos Alexandre accepted the government’s invitation to head this commission, endorsed by the Council of Ministers in October.
The Commission for Combating Fraud in the National Health Service (CCF-SNS) will include permanent staff from the Judiciary Police, the Health Activities General Inspectorate, the General Inspectorate of Finances, and the Infarmed.
The commission’s duties will involve centralizing, coordinating, and implementing strategies for preventing and detecting fraud in the health service. It will also be responsible for investigating fraud concerning medical acts, prescriptions, procurement, contracts, and hospital procedures.
The government’s objective is to save 800 million euros during its term, as reported at the time.
The CCF-SNS will annually establish its priority action areas, with the plan of activities set to be approved in the first fortnight of January and presented to the government members in charge of Justice and Health.
