The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7227 p800
7 December 2002

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Report more fraud, pharmacists told

The National Health Service counter fraud unit is meeting its targets for combating fraud in community pharmacy, but it says pharmacists can do more to help.

Speaking at the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee community pharmacy conference in Birmingham last week, Jim Gee, director of the NHS Counter Fraud Service, said that prevention of contractor fraud had already exceeded targets. Some £7.48m worth of contractor fraud has been recovered, against a target of £6m by 2001–02 and £9.3m worth of fraud has been prevented, against a target of £9m.

Mr Gee praised pharmacists for their co-operation in detecting and preventing patient fraud, but added: "I am convinced we can do more. I want to give all pharmacists support so they can do what they should do. I am not convinced that all pharmacists are reporting [fraud]."

In order to encourage more reporting, Mr Gee said that the reward scheme for reporting fraudulent prescriptions had been simplified, the reporting deadline lengthened to 28 days, and a new telephone support line for pharmacists had been launched (0870 240 0114). In addition, the reward has been raised from £10 to £70.

Mr Gee said he would set new targets once existing problems had been measured. The Counter Fraud Service is assessing whether savings made so far are permanent. This work should be completed by October next year and only then will savings be directed back into the health service.