# Public sector audit findings in Peru and Chile

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/public-sector-audit-findings-in-peru-and-chile
> Updated: 2026-08-27T20:36:54.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Audits conducted by regional comptroller offices in Peru and Chile have identified various instances of financial and administrative mismanagement within public sectors.

In Peru, investigations into the CHINECAS special project in Ancash revealed irregularities in petty-cash fund administration, including undocumented expenses, incomplete documentation, and a lack of required cash counts. 

In Chile, separate audits uncovered multiple issues. In Antofagasta, the regional health service was found to have engaged in direct-contract procurements totaling approximately 949 million Chilean pesos without sufficient justification, alongside failures to pay significant fines and deficiencies in budget certification. 

Further investigations in the Biobío region regarding the Arauco Health Service revealed irregularities involving medical scholarship recipients. Two anesthesiology specialists were found to have been on medical leave for over 90% of their mandatory service periods, during which time they reportedly traveled abroad and worked for other institutions. The audit also noted that the health service failed to recover more than $2,046 million in funds related to medical specialization programs.

## Claims

- The Biobío Regional Comptroller's Office conducted an audit of the Arauco Health Service. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Two anesthesiology specialists on public scholarships worked less than six months total over a six-year period. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- One doctor was on medical leave for 95% of the period, working only 108 out of 2,192 days. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The second doctor was on medical leave for 94% of the period, working only 133 days. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Both doctors traveled abroad and performed work for public and private institutions while on medical leave. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- In one case, 52% of the medical leaves were issued by the doctor's spouse. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Arauco Health Service failed to collect more than $2,046 million in medical specialization program funds. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Findings were referred to the Superintendencia de Seguridad Social (Suseso) and the Lebu Local Prosecutor's Office. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Arauco Health Service audit reveals medical scholarship irregularities

A Chilean audit found two scholarship doctors worked less than six months in six years while on medical leave, traveling abroad and working elsewhere. Over $2 billion pesos in funds also remain unrecovered.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arauco-health-service-audit-reveals-medical-scholarship-irregularities

### 2026-08-04: Contraloría audits reveal fund mismanagement in Peru and Chile

Contraloría audits in Peru and Chile uncovered petty‑cash fund flaws in the CHINECAS project and undocumented direct contracts, including unauthorized security services, at the Antofagasta health service.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/contralora-audits-reveal-fund-mismanagement-in-peru-and-chile

---
Cite as: Public sector audit findings in Peru and Chile. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/public-sector-audit-findings-in-peru-and-chile