Health dept refers NHI contracts corruption allegations to SIU
Media report alleges uncapped NHI advertising contracts diverted millions from critical programmes.
The health department has referred allegations of corruption involving National Health Insurance (NHI) communication contracts to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), the Auditor-General and possibly the Public Protector. These accusations emerged following a media report this weekend, which claimed that uncapped NHI advertising contracts had siphoned millions of rands from essential health programs.
The department denied the allegations, stating that it had provided supporting documentation to News24, yet remained concerned about what it termed as "misleading conclusions". Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for the National Health Department, clarified that the investigations would aim to ascertain the facts surrounding the contracts.
He added that the Health Minister and Deputy Minister have jointly instructed the SIU, the Auditor-General, and the Public Protector, should it be necessary, to delve into the matter. Mohale emphasized that these independent bodies would serve as impartial referees, preferring neutral adjudication over press statements.
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