Coronavirus: Rapid-testing contractor reported to police on suspicion of duplicating tests for profit

The health ministry said on Thursday it had filed a complaint with police following suspicions that a company it contracts with for its free rapid testing programme had submitted duplicate invoices to the government for payment.

During audits, before payments were made, the ministry said that in one case, a company appeared to be submitting invoices relating to tests for employees showing that people were listed as having been tested at more than one location on the same day.

After communicating with the named individuals, the ministry determined, it said, that they had only been tested at their workplace and not at any other location on the day in question.

The ministry did not elaborate as to how many instances of duplicate tests were submitted or to what extent positive or negative diagnoses might have been affected.

“Following this development, the ministry of health duly filed a complaint with the police, in order to investigate whether a criminal case is warranted,” the ministry said.

At the same time, it added, it has requested, and is awaiting legal guidance from the attorney-general on further handling of the company in question in the context of current and future contracts.