A urologist from Odessa taught a patient to feign illness in order to qualify for disability benefits

In Odesa, a urologist at one of the city’s clinical hospitals offered to help a patient obtain a fraudulent disability classification in exchange for $6,000. The doctor now faces up to eight years in prison and confiscation of his property.

This was reported by the press service of the National Police in the Odesa region.

According to the investigation, the man went to see a doctor in the urology and transplant department for a routine medical consultation. However, the doctor decided to take advantage of the situation and offered to help the patient obtain a Group III disability classification.

<picture></picture>Photo: National Police in the Odesa region

The doctor assured the man that he had the necessary connections among officials at medical institutions and promised to influence members of the expert commission that assesses a person’s daily functioning. He priced his “service” at six thousand dollars.

According to investigators, the money was allegedly intended not only for the doctor but also for other individuals involved.

The urologist then gave the man step-by-step instructions: which doctors to consult, how to obtain fictitious diagnoses, and how to enter them into the Electronic Health Care System. He also taught the patient how to simulate symptoms of the illness during an interview with the expert commission.

<picture></picture>Photo: National Police in Odesa Oblast

Law enforcement officers detained the doctor immediately after he received the agreed-upon sum of money. Investigators seized these funds and other physical evidence.

The doctor was charged with receiving an unlawful benefit for influencing the decision of an authorized official. According to police, the money was intended not only for him but also for other people.

Such a crime is punishable by imprisonment for up to eight years with confiscation of property.

The court ordered the suspect to be held in pretrial detention with the option of posting bail in the amount of 266,000 hryvnias. The doctor posted the bail.

A similar case also occurred in the Odesa region—there, police detained a surgeon and his accomplice while they were receiving a bribe for “guaranteed” disability certification.

Ірина Глухова