In the Atyrau region, a surgeon charged patients for surgeries that should have been free under the compulsory social health insurance (OSMS) system, collecting 8 million tenge. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the regional prosecutor's office, the suspect is a surgeon at the Atyrau Regional Hospital. Between 2024 and 2025, he charged patients for surgeries included in the OSMS package, although he was required to perform them free of charge. The surgeon demanded between 100,000 and 500,000 tenge per surgery. In total, he collected 8 million tenge.
The prosecutor's office has launched a pre-trial investigation against the surgeon under Article 247 of the Criminal Code (fraud). The suspect has been placed in a temporary detention facility. If his guilt is fully proven, he faces up to 7 years in prison.
This incident is another example of corruption in the healthcare sector. The OSMS system guarantees citizens free medical care, but some doctors continue to abuse the system and charge patients. The prosecutor's office said it is taking special measures to identify and stop such cases.
The Atyrau Regional Health Department also commented on the incident, urging patients to report any instances of illegal charges. The department reminded that surgeries under OSMS are completely free and any charge is illegal.
Currently, investigative actions are ongoing. The prosecutor's office is determining whether the suspect is involved in other similar crimes. The full amount of money collected from patients is being established, and it may be returned.