Missing radios and a fraudulent vendor. These are the reported reasons for the losses of public money reported in the first quarter within Saskatchewan health organizations. The losses have been tabled with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Two confirmed losses were reported to the Ministry of Health in the first quarter of the 2019-20 fiscal year, between April 1 to June 30.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority reported a loss of $15,189 from June of 2018 due to three missing two-way EMS radios, which were presumed stolen. The SHA attempted to track the radio’s transmission to determine their location, but was unsuccessful and presumed the radios as stolen. The incident was reported to the RCMP. The SHA is taking actions to strengthen its internal controls around asset management.

Between June 2016 and January 2018, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency lost $3,737 to a fraudulent vendor, who provided advertising services and was paid based on five invoices. An internal investigation was conducted and the fraud was reported to the Regina Police. The SCA will not pursue any action to recover the funds due to the type of fraud, the small amount lost and assumed location of the fraudulent vendor. The SCA is taking several actions internally to strengthen their internal controls around vendor verification

Losses of money or property greater than $500 are reported by Saskatchewan Health Organizations that are due to fraud or similar illegal acts by employees, suppliers, or contractors. The Ministry of Health reports losses by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, and the Athabasca Health Authority in keeping with similar reporting of losses within ministries and Crown agencies.

See the attached report, or visit HERE.