'Fake gynaecologist' arrested for fund fraud

A DOCTOR who allegedly masqueraded as a qualified gynaecologist was arrested yesterday in a sting operation at a hospital near Pretoria.

Dr Ganesh Anil Anirudhra, 49, was apprehended at the Dr George Mukhari Hospital by Hawks detectives after eluding arrest for almost two weeks.

Anirudhra is accused of defrauding both the Workers' Compensation Fund and the Bonitas Medical Fund.

According to a recent Health Professions Council of SA report, fraud costs South Africa's medical aid schemes R15-billion annually.

Workers' Compensation Fund risk management deputy director Twana Makubela said the fund has lost R27-million through false medical claims over the past three years.

Two months ago, Dr Jerry Sehune was found guilty in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court of medical fraud totalling R2.1-million.

Makubela said two officials alleged to have colluded with Sehune had been fired and were facing criminal charges.

Hawks spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko said Anirudhra was released on R20000 bail after appearing in the Brits Magistrate's Court.

"He had to surrender his passport and must report to the police every Monday," he said.

Ramaloko said Anirudhra would appear in court again on February21 to face 319 counts of fraud amounting to R500 000.

He said the charges related to the submission of illegitimate claims to Bonitas and the Workers' Compensation Fund.

"He also appears to have illegally worked at several private hospitals in Gauteng," Ramaloko said.

"Information shows he would allegedly book off sick at Dr George Mukhari Hospital and then go work at private hospitals. It is here that he would work as a gynaecologist," he said.

Ramaloko said Anirudhra was still undergoing training.

"The only place Anirudhra can practise as a gynaecologist is at government hospitals, and then only under the supervision of a qualified specialist."

Makubela said that, since last year, Anirudhra had allegedly submitted double invoices, claimed for services he did not provide and billed for over-servicing which refers to doctors charging for unnecessary medical procedures.

"This type of practice is rife in South Africa," Makubela said.

Bonitas spokesman Christa van Dyk said Anirudhra allegedly defrauded the fund of R184887 by claiming for services not rendered.