In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the scandal with the lists of fictitious doctors receiving salaries and a risk premium is spraying the Ministry of Public Health. The latter launched at the beginning of the week a solemn appeal to condemn those who wrongfully receive wages and risk premiums. Nearly 500 names have already been discovered and published in the capital, but the issue is still complex.
as reported from Kinshasa, Pascal Mulegwa
At the request of the Minister of Health, the General Health Inspectorate (IGS) opened a toll-free number to terminate any case of fraud and illegal collection in the payroll. IGS’s press release states that it guarantees “total discretion”. But Minister Eteni Longondo will go further.
He announces the revision of pay slips, which include approximately 12,000 physicians paid to date. If the existence of “fiction” is controversial in this sector, it is because today there are more than 6,000 other doctors who have worked for many years without receiving any bonus or salary.
Miss winning
However, the problem is broader and more complex. The state does not control the actual number of employees despite regular censuses. Consequence: the Treasury registers a significant shortfall. In August last year, for example, the budget ministry claimed to have discovered 10,000 fictitious cases on teachers’ payrolls.
Just a month ago, the judicial police opened several investigations into illegal payments from state agents and officials. According to these results, more than 130,000 fictitious agents and 43,000 duplicates have received wrongful pay in the last nine years.
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