9. FRAUD AND CORRUPTION
SAHPRA continues to fight fraud and corruption through the implementation of its Fraud Prevention Policy, Strategy and Plan. The Fraud Prevention Strategy and Plan was approved in the 2021/22 financial year and resulted in the development of the fraud risk register together with the facilitation of several risk awareness sessions. The fraud risk register identified areas of concern which required strengthening and monitoring of controls. This also entailed the development and communication of several policies and standard operating procedures within SAHPRA.
In the previous years, SAHPRA depended on the National Anti-Fraud Hotline and NDoH Hotline for the reporting of its anonymous calls. However, in September 2021, the Authority launched its own Whistleblowing Hotline with an independent service provider, which can now take full responsibility of all calls reporting fraud, corruption, and non-compliances.
Since the launch of the hotline, there has been several cases reported ranging from health products non-compliances and allegations of fraud and corruption. These cases are then referred to the Chief Executive Officer, RAG and Board chairpersons for further action to be instituted such as investigations or reviews.