Two healthcare workers – a deputy of the district MEC and a doctor at an emergency medical care substation – were detained in Khmelnytsky Oblast, who earned more than UAH 8 million on illegal assistance in obtaining a disability group. This was reported by the Prosecutor General’s Office.
According to the investigation, the doctors organised a scheme to help people illegally obtain disability. A paramedic was responsible for finding ‘clients’ who wanted to get a disability for a fee. The doctor registered these people for inpatient treatment in the neurological department, although they were not actually there, and provided them with disability certificates based on false medical documents.
The cost of such services ranged from $3,600 to $7,800.
The paramedic was detained while receiving part of the money. During the searches, the suspects’ possessions were seized with $182,000, over 6,500 euros (amounting to almost UAH 8 million), as well as draft records and medical documents.
Both suspects are charged with trading in influence (Part 3 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The paramedic has already been chosen a measure of restraint in the form of detention with the possibility of bail. The issue of a preventive measure for the doctor is currently being considered by the court. Law enforcers are also checking the possible involvement of the MSEC employees in the scheme.
