Loans/Credit Royal Bank of Scotland Group (UK) is (0 comments)
Royal Bank of Scotland Group (UK) is presently providing instantly loans such as secured and unsecured loan to individuals,cooperate bodies,companies and smell-scale enterprise to foster their business to a greater height. We also provide any kind of banking instrument such as MTN,BG,SBLC, for Further Inquiries Contact Us. Mr Ray Davis Loans/Credit Operations Manager Heron House, Hale Wharf, Ferry Lane,London N17 9NF. United Kingdom Contact us at Tel : +447045780640 E-mail : rbs.group.project@gmail.com

Canadian surgeon nailed for accepting perverse inc (0 comments)
Canadian surgeon pleads guilty in the U.S. Kickback Scheme Tom Blackwell, National Post Published: Friday, January 04, 2008 A Canadian neurosurgeon pleaded guilty in an Arkansas court yesterday to taking hefty kickbacks from medical-device suppliers and agreed to pay the U.S. government and a whistleblower $1.5-million in compensation. Dr. Patrick Chan could also face up to five years in jail when he is sentenced later in the dramatic case, which involved an undercover sting operation, hidden FBI video cameras and envelopes brimming with cash. American authorities in several jurisdictions have been cracking down in recent years on device manufacturers who allegedly offer doctors handsome inducements for using their products. The former Calgary resident, however, appears to be the only physician charged with being part of such a scheme. Pressure is now mounting on him to testify against one company that, according to newly divulged allegations, offered him stock options worth at least $1-million as part of a kickback arrangement. Lawyers say Dr. Chan's guilty plea may be just the first step to opening the window on a much broader kickback program. He also still faces several lawsuits for allegedly performing spine operations that were unnecessary and severely damaging to patients. "I think it's very serious any time you have a degreed professional, with this level of education and training, basically trying to defraud the system," said Jane Duke, the U.S. attorney for eastern Arkansas, who prosecuted the case. Many of his cases were covered by the government Medicare and Medicaid systems, which would have paid for both his services and the devices he requested. Dr. Chan has been under house arrest in Searcy, a small town near the Arkansas capital of Little Rock, since his arrest in late 2006 and will continue to be confined there until his sentencing. A native of Malaysia, Dr. Chan graduated from the University of Alberta medical school in 1990, then went on to do a neurosurgery residency in Edmonton, where he was described as ethical and "exceedingly hard-working." He later obtained a sub-specialty in spinal surgery at the University of Alabama before setting up practice in Calgary. One Alberta colleague recalls that his workaholic habits would "saturate" the limited operating-room time in Calgary, putting some other surgeons' noses out of joint. He moved to Arkansas in 2000 and, by his own account in court, was eventually making $200,000 a month and had amassed a fortune of $10-million. Dr. Chan was charged in late 2006 with accepting thousands of dollars in kickbacks from device suppliers. Kelley Yielding, a sales representative for a number of manufacturers, wore recording equipment at the request of police as she handed over cash payments to him. In a strange twist, Ms. Yielding died suddenly the night before she was to testify at a grand-jury hearing, though police have ruled out foul play. Dr. Chan pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of the kickback charges, while three others were withdrawn in a plea bargain with prosecutors that did not address his sentence. Sentencing will probably take place in about two months, said Ms. Duke. The compensation was paid out under a so-called whistleblower lawsuit designed to uncover cases of health-care fraud against the U.S. government. John Thomas, another medical-device salesman who went to police about Dr. Chan's activities, will receive $350,000 as plaintiff in the suit. The hope now is that the Canadian will offer testimony to lawyers against the companies he dealt with, which likely involved many other doctors in similar schemes, said Mike Mitchell, one of Mr. Thomas's lawyers. tblackwell@nationalpost.com Kind regards Tanya Vogt Chief Executive Officer SAMED South African Medical Device Industry Association Tel. 011 467 0855 Fax. 011 467 1697

Look around you ! (0 comments)
Look what has been happening in the news lately.Tony out on parole-drinking,Shabir treated like a King,Agliotti up for murder , these are the things we should be worried about.These are SERIOUS-not rubbish things like a bit of money,we ALL know Dr Miller did not do anything bad to hurt his patients,or the community,in fact the opposite,he only does good for the masses of patients he has,good for the hospital and the community.It's time the HPCSA admitted they were wrong,it was personal,they were jealous,they should be grateful for his long hours of work and dedication.He is a GOOD example to the medical world!

WCA Accounts (1 comments)
We are a company that specialise in IOD consultation we are also in the fortunate position of being in contact with the WCA offices on a daily basis. This places us in the position to obtain Authorization for payment of our clients accounts in much less time than accounts submitted through normal channels. Other advantages are that we are informed of problems with accounts as they are submitted thus preventing unnecessary delays. As well as the reasons why the accounts cannot be paid is relaid to our clients on a weekly basis. We are also aware of changes in the Procedures at the WCA before official notice is given to Medical Practitioners. Our Services are available country wide. Contact us we will take the administration and logistical load for all your IOD (WCA) accounts.

independant practitioners associations (0 comments)
Any input on the value of joining an IAP and the pros and cons of doing so?

Sad Medical World ! (0 comments)
Thank Heavens we still have Dr Miller working his wonderful magic out there - the Medical world cannot do without the likes of this dedicated Doctor.How the HPCSA are allowed to even insult this man is unbelievable,never mind embark on this personal vendetta.The HPCSA do not protect the patients or the doctors-only themselves.

Well done Doc ! (0 comments)
I see the Good Doctor is back in the news.Saving lives and doing his usual good work.Keep it up!

my reply to the appeal findings part 2 (0 comments)
background to the case

my reply to the appeal findings part 1 (0 comments)
to appeal the appeal

Media Release HPCSA - Percy loses appeal (9 comments)
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA (HPCSA) Embargo: For immediate release Date: 16 July 2004 Appeal Committee partly confirms sentence of kickback doctors! The Appeal Committee of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) today confirmed the sentence passed on Drs Leonard Nainkin and Julian Preddy by the Professional Conduct Committee on 8 July 2003. The Appeal Committee reduced Dr Percy Miller's penalty from two days community service to one day community service for a period of two years. The outcome of the Appeal Committee means that these doctors will make their expertise available free of charge at public service hospitals for one day in a week after a sentence was imposed on them for receiving kickbacks. In July 2003, the Professional Conduct Committee of the HPCSA suspended the doctors, including Dr Ian Weinberg, from practice for a period of 5 years but the operation of this penalty has been suspended for 5 years on certain conditions. The four doctors, who have been found guilty of receiving perverse incentives, were also ordered to pay back the proceeds as a sentence imposed by a Professional Conduct Committee of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The outcome of the Appeal Committee is that: · it upholds the sentence imposed on Drs Nainkin and Preddy by the Professional Conduct Committee; · the three practitioners have to repay all the money to the HPCSA over a period of one year from today; and · Dr Miller’s community service is reduced from two days a week to one day a week for a period of two years. Last year, the Professional Conduct Committee imposed a penalty of 5 years suspension from the register, which suspension was conditionally suspended. The practitioners had to comply with the following conditions during the period of suspension: · Each of the doctors should not be convicted of receiving perverse incentives for a period of 5 years from date of penalty. · Each of the doctors had to pay the proceeds they made from kickbacks in this case to the HPCSA within six months. The amounts were as follows: Dr Weinberg R265 339.00 Dr Preddy R158 792.00 Dr Nainkin R140 225.00 Dr Miller R765 153.00 · Each of the doctors had to perform community service by practicing their profession in any public service hospital for a period of two years from date of penalty for one day per week, with the qualification that they will be allowed to perform 4,5 consecutive days of such _ Protecting the public and guiding the professions President: Prof Thanyani Mariba, Vice President: Dr Saths Cooper, Registrar/CEO: Adv Boyce Mkhize service per month to make provision of periods of prolonged absence from work, such as taking leave. · Each of the doctors must provide proof to the Registrar of HPCSA of such community service on a monthly basis. The Registrar of HPCSA, Advocate Boyce Mkhize welcomed the outcome of the Appeal Committee and said it reinforced Council’s commitment to punish doctors who are involved in kickback schemes. He warned other health practitioners that Council would not hesitate to prosecute those who are involved in kickback schemes. Mkhize said the fact that these doctors must pay back the profits they received, is a clear indication that no practitioner will enjoy any financial benefits which are not rightfully due to them. For more information please contact: Phephela Makgoke Communications Officer Health Professions Council of South Africa Telephone: +27 12 338 9368 Fax: +27 12 324 5726 Cell phone: 082 801 6685 Email: Phephelam@hpcsa.co.za

so what? (0 comments)
so what if dr miller has been an accomplished doctor before? what's to stop him from being a crook? for that matter, what's to stop any gifted doctor from falling to mammon. i say 'bad on you!'

Bad reporting (1 comments)
I read my favourite newspaper "The Citizen" this morning,but was stunned to read the article on you guys.Their info was incorrect & somehow the HPCSA never seems to put them right either.Everyone knows you do not have to do your 'punishment' until after the appeal hearing is over,as is correct in law.This is also the 2nd time you have had an appeal hearing,where was this wonderful reporter the 1st time-funny she only came this time.Let the reporter do a thorough job or don't do the job at all!

And so the saga continues....... (0 comments)
If you read the papers you will know that the doctors (radiologists) who started the whole thing are basically "off the hook".They were found 'guilty'but got very little compared to what they wanted to do to you guys.It is ridiculous!Where is the logic(is there any-or is it just a witch-hunt or personal)with what they want to do to you guys.

amazing and important (2 comments)
events of the day

Rebates form companies (1 comments)
One of the reasons of the extreme high costs of any medical procure these days are the fact that companies are asking rediculous prices for the products. Unfortunately it is not as simple as it sounds as I am sure many of you know. Those that work for large groups like Netcare can still be safe in a way, but the smaller private practitionets are ripped off as well as Joe Public. Companies like J&J, Smith&Nephew, Tyco and many many more sell their products at list price to all. Lets say that item X costs R100. They sell it to the hospital groups @ R100, but then pay them a rebate as much as 80%!!!!!! The Group effectively pays R20 fot this item, but still charges the medical aids and the public the list price. If u r a doctor in private practice that do not have a deal with a company, they can make 500-800% profit from you! This pushes up medical aid rates, as well rip us off. Wghat do you think of this?

Stop pointing fingers (3 comments)
A very important thing to remember is that the finger you point in judgement there are three pointing right back at you. My family have known Dr. Miller for a long time and we have found him to be a genius in his field. His compassion toward his patients and their families goes beyond their expectations. He saved my mother's life and I know for sure many other patients. People still continue to bad mouth and judge Dr. Miller which is not only cruel, but forget that we have a competent outstanding surgeon who saves many lives every day and people still continue their mission of hurt. He is an outstanding member of our community who dedicates hours of his time, taken away from his family and friends, to our beloved ones. Why cant people let things go and leave our professionals do their work. G-d gave Dr. Miller golden hands and a beautiful mind to help us, allow him too! M

unity needed (0 comments)
Doctors (GP's & specialists) need to unite uegently to fight the onslaught on the profession from medical aids, media, administrators, HPSCA, the public and Govenrment. If wiliing to sacrifice for a short period in terms of income loss and stand up to all, we can see results sooner then later.

Pathetic (0 comments)
What I think of the latest nonsense

Certificate of need (1 comments)
This regulation is dictatorial and draconian.For the first time,paradoxically, an opportunity has been given to the profession to fight back but it will require that we all stand together and that may be a problem as we are not known for our solidarity.If we all stand together and ignore this certifcate the legislation must fail.What can they do to us?

Dispensing kickback? (6 comments)
Advice please : I am a general practitioner with a dispensary in my rooms. This is owned by doctor X working for the practice, who rents the dispensing space from me. I suggested either R1000 rent + 8% of my script turnover, or R2000/ month rent. Meanwhile, doctor Y was asked by me to leave the practice and, as part of sour grapes, she reported me to the HPCSA for perverse incentive / receiving kickbacks from the dispensary owned by dr X My MPS lawyer says it ain't looking good. Can anybody give me any advice ? (Although most dispensing doctors groups receive 10% of their acute scripts and even 15% of their chronic scripts, this tradition is seen as perverse. I think I might well be made the scape goat. )

connection (3 comments)
unable to download any of your web pages - the hyperlinks are not working

Discovery Medi-Clinic Plan (1 comments)
Is it perverse?

Generally Unknown (1 comments)
Did you know that Dr Percy Miller was part of the original team that separated siamese twins joined at the head , done at Bara about 14 years ago , very much in the news lately!

keep up the momentum (1 comments)
Hi all - please try and keep up the momentum on this website. Perhaps a David vs Golliath situation at the moment, we can all throw stones and eventually one has to land in the right place

kickbacks (2 comments)
Dear Colleague RE: KICKBACKS 1. We wish to address this letter to you raising our concerns at the recent events, which have been played out in the media. We as concerned Health Care Professionals believe we have been adversely effected by such, in particular we view the total lack of support and commitment from the South African Medical Association and various other concerned associations in resolving this issue, in a serious light. Steps are taken which directly affect not only our lives, livelihood, but also our family as well as our professional integrity, yet there is a deafening silence. 2. As you are no doubt aware, in the past year, there has been an ongoing issue, which has been played out in the media, the political gamenship by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (“HPCSA”). 3. It is of concern to us that it appears, that there are other interests at work. We believe that the interests of us the Health Care Professions have not taken into account but rather that of industry appears to be important and to appease certain higher institutions. 4. At the outset, we wish to reaffirm our commitment, that we as Health Care Professionals should at all time act in the best interests of the patient, and conduct our profession in an ethical independent and autonomous way. 5. Our concern is that at present there appears to be many cases coming before the Medical and Dental Professions Board, in regard to “kickback type cases”, but there are no prior determined norms of what undefined acts may constitute disgraceful and / or improper conduct (“kickbacks”). 6. It is in our view that in these cases, the Board would formulate a charge, presumably based on an ad hoc decision of what constitute disgraceful and / or unprofessional conduct kickbacks, itemise the facts and then charge the relevant Health Care Professional with such charge. 7. The enquiry then becomes one of whether the fact alleged in the conduct attributed to such particular practitioner occurred. 8. The effect that this is a “norm”, which has been pre determined by the Board when it formulates the charge, and is not questioned. This is not clearly incorrect. How can one conduct ones affairs without certainty. 9. These changes would be contrary to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in that: - 9.1. It severely curtails that our freedom of trade, occupation and profession; 9.2. It also would contravene our right to access to the courts in that the charged practitioner is effectively precluded from having the dispute, resolved by the application of law, in a court. 10. The issue is more pertinent as the determination as to whether or not the conduct complained of constitutes unprofessional conduct/kickback or not, is not decided in a fair public hearing before a court, but rather a professional board which at the time determines and formulates the norm, prosecutes and convicts one in terms of its own rules and procedure, and not by an independent and impartial forum. 11. This is particularly highlighted by the recent events, which have been played out in the media pertaining to what has colloquially been termed “Medical Kickbacks”. 12. This ongoing saga brings to light, the very present dangers, which we as health care professionals, currently face. We believe a large part has been due to the professions and its board’s inactivity. This is and will have long-term repercussions for all of us. 13. This ambiguity and preference of one over the other is clearly demonstrated by the difference in treatment handed down by the HPCSA in two similar cases. 13.1. In the one instant, one of the countries largest pathology laboratories, together with approximately 29 doctors, admitted to receiving “Medical kickbacks” from the pathology laboratory. These doctors were not only prosecuted, but no further action taken against them, save that the pathology laboratory paid a amount of approximately R300,000.00 to the Health Professions Council in order for the Health Professions Council not to take any further action either against the doctors who received such Medical kickbacks or against the laboratory. 14. This should be compared in stark contrast to the punishment metered out to a number of our colleagues at the Linksfield Park Clinic. 15. In this case, four doctors who conducted practice at Linksfield Park Clinic were found guilty of receiving “kickbacks” from a radiological practice. They were then ordered to pay the equivalent sum earned in kickbacks to the Health Professions Council (R1,000,000.00). Furthermore, such doctors were ordered to do community service in a public hospital once a week for five years with one doctor ordered to do so twice weekly. 16. A fifth doctor, was granted indemnity, and given a certificate of good standing and was not prosecuted on the basis of supposedly testifying at the enquiry. It is noteworthy to note that he did not even attend the hearing in person but merely justified via an affidavit. 17. Initially, the Health Professions Council of South Africa asked for the four doctors, to be permanently struck off the practising medical roll. 18. These two examples clearly highlight the unstructured bias in which the HPCS appears to act. One further has to take cognisance of the fact that no patient, medical aid suffered any financial loss, nor were such practitioners charged or found guilty of “over servicing”. In fact the only party to suffer a financial loss was the practice, which paid. In this instance the Radiological Society instead of support said it was “delighted with the outcome”. 19. If one is a company, and is able to exert some form of influence, it appears one would merely be reprimanded with a relatively small fine, in relation to the companies turnover, this is negligible whilst an individual practitioner, would be permanently barred from practicing which will severely effect his family and his livelihood and income. 20. What is noteworthy is that the relevant SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION who are supposed to act in the interests of all health care professionals, have been silent in their failure to support the profession and make the necessary representation to all interested parties. 21. As a result of such failure and omission by the SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION as a whole to act, we have reluctantly been compelled to embark on this campaign, otherwise, we believe, that the relevant professional board will not stand up for our rights, but rather their own political and power purpose. 22. We are accordingly of the view, that we should initially actively canvas the South African Medical Association campaign and lobby for us. Furthermore we should support those candidates who aspire to the same aims and objectives. 23. If you agree with these sentiments and would like to join the association please complete the attached questionnaire and e-mail it to us on concerneddrass@ananzi.co.za. Should you have any comments or queries please direct your emails to the above address, where they shall be addressed. Thank you Please forward this e-mail to your colleagues.

CarteBlanche (0 comments)
Maybe the HPCSA should do some real work and prosecute those Dr's out there who are fraudulently supplying medication ??????

new med bill (2 comments)
Medical association says new certificate of need will fuel brain drain The SA Medical Association (Sama) is mounting a legal challenge against the National Health Bill, which will require every new and existing medical establishment to obtain a certificate of need from government to be allowed to practise. The health department's intention is to correct the skewed distribution of health-care resources, which sees hospitals and health technology concentrated in well-heeled urban areas rather than in poorer or rural areas. This means that a GP who wants to open a new practice in an area with a proliferation of doctors could be denied authorisation because Pretoria deems that his or her services are not needed there, or that practising GPs could be denied permission to continue operating where they are. The medical establishment is in an uproar. It says the provision will, by fuelling the brain drain, achieve the opposite of what it intends. At a Sama meeting in Cape Town on Friday, a decision was made to take government to court to get the provision set aside. "Doctors feel under enormous threat" says SA Registrars' Association chairman Mark Sonderup. "They feel they're being regulated out of existence." In the private sector, GPs' share of the pie has been eroded by specialists and private hospitals and the fact that medical aid schemes typically take 90 days or more to pay claims. In the public sector, bad working conditions and poor remuneration have resulted in many top academics and young doctors emigrating. For many doctors, the certificate of need is the last straw, coming as it does hard on the heels of the Medicines & Related Substances Amendment Control Act, which prevents dispensing by doctors except in areas where there are few pharmacies. The National Convention on Dispensing has mounted a separate court challenge against this provision. Under section 36 of the bill, nobody will be able to operate, buy or modify a health establishment (increase the number of beds or purchase certain equipment) without obtaining a certificate of need from the health director-general (DG). They have two years from the commencement of the act to obtain one - or be guilty of a criminal offence. In deciding whether to grant a certificate, the DG must take into account "the need to promote an equitable distribution and rationalisation of health services and health-care resources, and the need to correct inequities based on racial, gender, economic and geographical factors". Other criteria include: the demographics and epidemiological characteristics of the population to be served; the need to protect or advance persons designated in terms of the Employment Equity Act within the emerging small, medium and microenterprise sector; and the probability that the establishment will be financially sustainable. It's no secret that Pretoria does not have the information systems to verify the accuracy of many of these poorly defined criteria, not least whether a practice will be financially sustainable. "This could eventually lead to subjective, political decisions that do not adequately respect the right of the individual," argues the New National Party's Kobus Gouws. Sama chairman Kgosi Letlape compares the certificate of need to the former Group Areas Act and influx control. "The maldistribution of doctors cannot be addressed through draconian legislation which will ultimately have a negative impact on patient care," he says. "This will drive more doctors, especially junior doctors, to seek employment beyond our borders." The provision plunges doctors into extreme uncertainty, says Prof Bob Williams of Natal University's school of law. And since the bill contains no right of appeal to the courts, practitioners who are denied a certificate can only take the minister's decision on review. In a review, a court cannot set aside the decision. A court can intervene only if the doctor proves that the minister did not act in good faith or did not properly apply her mind to the issue, which is difficult to prove, says Williams. Sonderup says the right way to get doctors to practise in rural areas is to improve the health-care infrastructure and support in these areas. "Simply increasing the number of doctors won't improve health outcomes," he says. The bill was passed with minor amendments in the n ational a ssembly on September 5. Most opposition parties voted against it. It will go before the national council of provinces on November 18.

Percy Miller-not necessarily my opinion. (0 comments)
With respect to some of the views expressed on this website,they do not necessarily express my views & I wish to dissociate myself from personal attacks & statements about which I have no knowledge & which are unsubstantiated.

NetPartner Fiasco - (2 comments)
See what Netcare and all the docs in SA are getting involved in - Just the same as the alleged kickbacks that these docs were so unfairly singled out for and abused

I am missing something. (4 comments)
I have a friend who is a travel consultant and for many years has flitted all over the world and to many of our 5 star resorts. Everytime she has been it is with a group of Doctors and their wives all travelling 1st class and always staying in 5 star acco

guilty (9 comments)
you should be ashamed

questions and answers in neurosurgery (1 comments)
i will do my best to answer technical questions in relation to neurosurgery,pain control,etc-for medical and health workers,and patients,laymen.

keep it clean (1 comments)
as much as i appreciate support and agree with the sentiments,please refrain from using bad language and obscenity,and personal attacks are to be avoided.we are professionals,and must express ourselves accordingly.also,keep to the facts,dont use unsubstan

stanley levy (1 comments)
how can this despicable person get a certificate of good standing when he was the only guilty party and the initiator of the scheme. may he rot in australia

fall guys (1 comments)
your hearing was a complete farce.did not matter what u said they had made up there minds u were guilty.the minister of health is guilty of genocide.has she and hpcsa got shares in an african potato farm

grapes of wrath (0 comments)
wise up and rise up u doctors have voted for a bunch of idiots.the industry makes millions for everyone except u.and we get a billeton telling us how well the council has performed.check the face of prof bekker imbecile

hpcsa (2 comments)
prosecutor maritz earned more in four hours than preddy and nainkin did in a whole year.i.e.18000 rand a morning.called drs greedy.arse hole never saved a life only danced to the piper

morality (1 comments)
how come u guys had to take the punch for the whole rotten industry.the biggest kickbackers are the clinics, medical aids, pharma. companys , gp net, medi cross, oncologists, labs etc. the list is endless.it is just a selective morality hitting out at the

morality (0 comments)
relative selective morality

DR NEL (1 comments)
THE WHISTLE BLOWER---WHAT AN UNETHICAL SO AND SO---HE IS GEOFF READ'S MAIN CONNECTION TO ORGANISE KICKBACKS

kickbacks (2 comments)
what has happened to dr geoff read--is he not guilty of getting kickbacks

general (3 comments)
it is rumoured that prof de villiers (the chairman of the kickback inquiry)himself is being investigated for kickbacks--absurd that a person in his position is acused of kickbacks and should withdraw himself from the kickback inquiry

Open for general discussion (3 comments)
Any subject you care to discuss