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Arauco Health Service audit reveals medical scholarship irregularities
An audit by the Biobío Regional Comptroller's Office has uncovered significant irregularities involving two anesthesiology specialists at the Arauco Health Service (SSA) in Chile. The doctors, who received public scholarships, were found to have been on medical leave for more than 90% of their six-year mandatory service period.
One physician was on leave for 95% of the time, working only 108 days out of 2,192. The second specialist was on leave for 94% of the period, working just 133 days. During their medical leave, both doctors reportedly traveled abroad and engaged in professional activities for both public and private institutions.
In one instance, the Comptroller's Office noted that 52% of the medical leaves were issued by the physician's spouse. The investigation has been referred to the Superintendencia de Seguridad Social (Suseso) and the Lebu Local Prosecutor's Office.
Additionally, the audit revealed that the Arauco Health Service failed to recover more than $2,046 million in funds related to medical specialization programs, including guarantees, fees, and stipends that should have been returned by professionals who failed to meet their obligations.
Entities
Contraloría Regional del Biobío · Fiscalía Local de Lebu · Servicio de Salud Arauco · Superintendencia de Seguridad Social
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Two anesthesiology specialists on public scholarships worked less than six months total over a six-year period. www.elinformadorchile.cl · www.diarioconcepcion.cl · www.latercera.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The second doctor was on medical leave for 94% of the period, working only 133 days. www.elinformadorchile.cl · www.diarioconcepcion.cl · www.latercera.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Findings were referred to the Superintendencia de Seguridad Social (Suseso) and the Lebu Local Prosecutor's Office. www.elinformadorchile.cl · www.diarioconcepcion.cl · www.latercera.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Both doctors traveled abroad and performed work for public and private institutions while on medical leave. www.elinformadorchile.cl · www.diarioconcepcion.cl · www.latercera.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] In one case, 52% of the medical leaves were issued by the doctor's spouse. www.elinformadorchile.cl · www.diarioconcepcion.cl · www.latercera.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Arauco Health Service failed to collect more than $2,046 million in medical specialization program funds. www.elinformadorchile.cl · www.diarioconcepcion.cl · www.latercera.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] One doctor was on medical leave for 95% of the period, working only 108 out of 2,192 days. www.elinformadorchile.cl · www.diarioconcepcion.cl · www.latercera.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Biobío Regional Comptroller's Office conducted an audit of the Arauco Health Service. www.elinformadorchile.cl · www.diarioconcepcion.cl · www.latercera.com