Successful prosecution of dentist
An Auckland dentist has pleaded guilty to false accounting and the dishonest use of documents after a case prosecuted by the Ministry of Health.
Media release
Sanjay Govind Sathe entered the plea in the Manukau District Court yesterday and has been remanded for sentencing until November 23.
The defendant has paid $49,284.71 to Counties Manukau District Health Board as reparation for the criminal matter.
He has also paid $45,000 to the DHB in relation to any civil liability – including investigation costs.
Ministry investigation found Mr Sathe’s practice in Howick had falsely claimed payment for after-hours treatments which either didn't take place, or the claim was different to the treatment provided.
The fraud relates to services for adolescents and special services for people under 18.
Mr Sathe’s offending was found to have occurred between January 2007 and September 2011.
He had been the subject of a routine audit in late 2009 by the Ministry and as result, in 2010 repaid $29,454.89 to the district health board.
A further larger-scale investigation was conducted from August 2011 after additional evidence emerged of false consultation times and treatment details.
The Audit & Compliance team of the Ministry operates a Fraud Hotline, 0800 424 888, in conjunction with the three Auckland region DHBs. It encourages people to use this facility to report concerns of health fraud and help protect precious health funds.
For further information, contact: Kevin McCarthy, senior media advisor, 021 832 459.
Page last updated: 13 September 2012
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