Written question asked by Nicholas Baker (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 March 1996. It was answered by Gerald Malone (Conservative) on Monday, 18 March 1996 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What action he is taking to eliminate the fraudulent obtaining of the free provision of dental services, optical treatment and prescriptions.

Answer: Mr. Nicholas Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to eliminate the fraudulent obtaining of the free provision of dental services, optical treatment and prescription.[20359] Mr. Malone: The Government are determined to eliminate fraud in the national health service wherever it occurs. From April 1995, amended prescription forms have asked patients to sign a declaration indicating the charge paid or the reason for exemption. The Department of Health has set up a prescription fraud unit at the Prescription Pricing Authority which will operate from 1 April 1996. The unit will provide an expert service for health authorities in the prevention, detection and prosecution of prescription related fraud. Declarations by patients have been changed to clarify the basis of exemption or remission from dental charges from 1 April 1996 and will be used for post payment checks on claims for remission of charges during 1996-97. Health authorities are asked to undertake post payment checks on patient eligibility for NHS sight tests and spectacle vouchers.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 20359; 274 c77W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Dental services Fraud Fees and charges Ophthalmic services Prescriptions