Fraud charges for 9 doctors
Nine doctors were charged in Patras yesterday over an alleged prescription scam which may have cost the IKA social security fund more than 3 million euros. Prosecutor Giorgos Bisbikis charged the unnamed doctors with repeatedly defrauding the state, a criminal offense, and making false declarations. Each doctor allegedly cheated IKA out of more than 150,000 euros. The doctors, mainly orthopedists, allegedly issued a large number of wheelchairs and other equipment, such as splints, from 1999-2003 to patients who did not need them. Bisbikis asked authorities to further investigate the role of another four doctors who have been accused of being involved in the scam. He said their alleged crimes cost IKA less than 15,000 euros. Three orthopedic equipment salesmen have been charged in connection with the alleged scam.