SHANGHAI, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Authorities in China launched a new countrywide crackdown on medical insurance fraud in mental health institutions this week, after local media reported some hospitals were offering free services to compete for patients in Hubei province.
The National Healthcare Security Administration said in a notice on Wednesday that all provincial-level departments must summon local officials in charge of designated mental health institutions to strengthen management, and eliminate the illegal or non-compliant use of insurance funds.
Advertisement
It said provincial departments should use the problems recently exposed by the media at mental health institutions in Hubei province, and the results of other inspections, as examples to educate institutions.
The NHSA also said provincial departments should organise the institutions to inspect their facilities and rectify any problems. They should submit reports to the NHSA by the end of March.
(Reporting by Andrew Silver in Shanghai; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
