§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the level of prescription charge evasion for each of the last five years. [16858]
§ Ms BlearsThe National Health Service Counter Fraud Service has carried out two patient prescription charge evasion exercises, measuring (to an accuracy of plus or minus 0.6 per cent.) the levels of fraud by patients from samples taken in November 1998 and July 1999. The amount of money lost to the NHS is estimated at £117 million in 1998–99 and £69 million in 1999–2000, demonstrating a reduction in losses from evasion of £48 million (41 per cent.). The NHS CFS will continue to measure prescription fraud on a regular basis.
There was no accurate measurement of prescription charge evasion prior to these exercises.
§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were prosecuted for prescription fraud in each of the last five years. [16856]
§ Ms BlearsBetween the establishment of the Prescription Pricing Authority Compliance Unit on 1 April 1996 and June 2000 there was one criminal prosecution of a patient for fraudulently claiming prescription exemption. This case was handled by the police and occurred in 1999.
The unit was not involved in the prosecution of any contractors.
In June 2000 a new pharmaceutical fraud team was formed from the existing PPA Fraud Investigation Unit and integrated into the National Health Service Counter Fraud Service.
This has so far brought four successful prosecution cases against contractors to the NHS for prescription fraud. Two of these were completed in 2000 and two in 2001.
A further 17 cases are at various stages of the prosecution process, many of which are nearing fruition.
§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what anti-counterfeiting features have been introduced in prescription forms since 1997. [16857]
§ Ms BlearsA number of features were introduced in 1998. Among these are an ultra violet light sensitive mark in the forms, as an anti-counterfeiting device and serial numbering, primarily to aid tracking of prescription forms. There are a number of other security features which, for obvious reasons, must remain confidential.