Health minister files criminal complaint over failed electronic health records project

Prague, Sept 3 (CTK) - Czech Health Minister Leos Heger (TOP 09) said yesterday a crime for 450 million crowns may have been committed with the IZIP electronic health books in the VZP health insurance company, citing a ministerial check in the company.

Heger said he handed the case to the Supreme State Attorney's Office this morning.

"The findings (of the controllers) are so serious that it is suspected that a crime worth more than 450 million crowns was committed in handling public means," Heger said.

He would not specify at the start of the investigation.

The ministry concentrated in the check on contractual relations between the VZP and IZIP firm that operates the electronic health books.

The project has come under criticism of various bodies and for various reasons.

VZP spent 1.8 billion crowns including VAT on the project over a period of ten years.

Heger and Prime Minister Petr Necas (Civic Democrats, ODS) agreed the project will be terminated a couple of months ago.

The VZP reacted with assigning VZP director Pavel Horak to withdraw the contracts as from end-June. They will expire at the end of the year.

($1=19.700 crowns)