Karaganda hospitals exposed for overcharging women for free abortions

Authorities in Karaganda have uncovered widespread overcharging for medical services. Women were incorrectly billed for abortion procedures, despite full coverage under the OSMS health insurance system. Prosecutors have since stepped in to address the issue. An investigation by the Karaganda prosecutor’s office revealed 775 cases of overcharging over three years. These involved a total of 22 million tenge in improper fees. More than 700 incidents included patients being charged twice for the same services.

So far, 218 women have received refunds totalling 7 million tenge. The reimbursements follow the discovery that abortions, fully covered by OSMS, were being billed to patients. The process of issuing further refunds remains underway. The findings highlight systemic billing errors in Karaganda’s healthcare system. Refunds are being processed, with 7 million tenge already returned to affected patients. Investigations into additional cases continue.