Prescription fraud costs £11m

A LIB Dem MSP has called for a crackdown on NHS fraudsters after new figures revealed false prescription charges had cost the health service £11.3 million last year.

Ross Finnie, the party's health spokesman, has urged Nicola Sturgeon to take action against NHS swindlers in the wake of NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Service data showing millions of pounds were lost in scams.

"Health boards lost 11.3m to prescription charge fraud last year," he said.

"Budgets are tight. But rather than cutting front line services that patients depend on, health boards should crack down on fraud.

"That 11.3m could have paid for 1260 cleaners, 533 nurses or 326 dentists.

"The Health Secretary must sort this out. Nicola Sturgeon needs to work hand in hand with the Justice Secretary to tackle fraud in the NHS."