After a possible billing fraud became known, Jens Spahn announced stricter controls.
There is criticism from the opposition for the handling of taxpayers' money.
Berlin - A corona rapid test is currently the means to be able to enjoy many freedoms again in Germany despite the pandemic.
In many places, visits to restaurants or shops have recently only been possible after a negative test.
The network of private corona test sites in Germany became increasingly dense.
But apparently there are also some “black sheep” among the providers.
Corona test fraud: Centers may charge more than was tested
A research by
Süddeutscher Zeitung
, WDR and NDR
suggests that some test centers also engage in billing fraud for a profitable business.
Because the test centers could charge up to 18 euros for material and test procedure per test - without having to prove that the tests were actually purchased and carried out.
Instead, you report the number of people tested to the statutory health insurance associations - without any evidence.
The following refunds are made at the taxpayer's expense.
In the meantime, several public prosecutors are investigating the suspicion that test centers reported far more tests to the authorities than they actually carried out.
Among other things, suspected cases in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia became known.
Corona test fraud: Spahn expresses himself on Twitter
Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) reacted to the reports via Twitter with outrage: "Whether with masks or testing - anyone who uses the pandemic to criminally enrich themselves should be ashamed," said the minister.
He went on to write: “Pragmatism is necessary at this time.
But whoever takes advantage of this must not get away with it. "
Corona test fraud: There is criticism from the opposition - Scholz too "has a duty"
The minister is now being criticized from the opposition.
SPD general secretary Lars Klingbeil addressed
Spahn's address
in the
Tagesspiegel
: “It is incomprehensible to me that Jens Spahn allowed such loopholes for fraudsters despite the warnings.” The minister must “ensure that taxpayers' money is used responsibly in the fight against corona is circumvented ".
Left leader Susanne Hennig-Wellsow also criticized the introduction of the rapid test system as "hasty and chaotic".
The AFP news agency
she said: “In my opinion, that's sloppy handling of an essential pillar of the fight against corona and sloppy handling of tax money.” The FDP parliamentary group vice Christian Dürr explained: “The Union and SPD had months to properly prepare and launch the rapid test campaign to create a safe system. "
The politician also shoots at Olaf Scholz: "I also take Federal Finance Minister Scholz's duty because we are talking about large amounts of taxpayers' money." The FDP politician demanded: The federal government must "clear up the fraud quickly and prevent it from happening." further irregularities come.
Because as long as there is a lack of vaccine, we are dependent on the many rapid test centers. "
Corona test fraud: Spahn with subsequent and more controls
Spahn has now announced subsequent checks of documents and strict controls.
In the ARD he said: "The subsequent control will also take place, the providers must keep the documents until 2024.
Sometimes things have to happen quickly in the pandemic, but we said that controls could be carried out until the end of 2024. "And added via the short message service Twitter:" We will sharpen where necessary. "There will be" more random checks ", he announced.
Corona test fraud: KBV: Municipalities should control bills
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians now sees the municipal health authorities as obliged to check the accounts of the free citizen tests on site.
According to the ordinance, the statutory health insurance physician associations would only “receive the monthly reports of the costs incurred by the registered test providers”, said KBV boss Andreas Gassen of the
Rheinische Post
.
“You can only check formal aspects.
More is not possible "
The federal and state health ministers now want to advise on suspected fraud at Corona test sites on Monday.
According to a spokesman for Spahns, an online switching conference is scheduled for 8 a.m.
(
AFP / jh
) *
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