20 Feb 2014

Ryall 'not alerted' to DHB case

5:59 pm on 20 February 2014

Health Minister Tony Ryall says he has no record that he was alerted to a potential fraud case involving public health money in the South Island before the end of last year.

Tony Ryall.

Tony Ryall. Photo: NATIONAL PARTY

The Green Party's health spokesperson, Kevin Hague, is putting pressure on Mr Ryall over what he knew about allegations that GP group South Link Health was using public money without authorisation.

Mr Hague says the group is in a long-running dispute with the Southern District Health Board over up to $15 million it had made in savings and that the minister has known about a suggestion of fraud since 2010.

However, Mr Ryall said on Thursday there is no record of that and he has no recollection of getting such advice.