The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) is intensifying efforts to combat healthcare fraud, launching a crackdown that targets widespread false registration of nursing personnel and the operation of unlicensed clinics.

The commission said it will accept reports of healthcare fraud through Nov. 30.

According to the ACRC, the number of cases in which government subsidies were recovered in the healthcare sector increased by 48.7 percent, from 1,413 in 2023 to 2,101 in 2024, indicating a rise in fraudulent receipt of government subsidies.

Major cases of fraudulent claims in the healthcare sector include: first, nursing personnel being registered as working at facilities when they do not actually work there, allowing those facilities to fraudulently claim medical benefits. Second, patients may be lured by offers of discounts on copayments, while facilities claim reimbursements for medical tests or treatments that were never actually performed. Third, some individuals without proper qualifications operate medical facilities by unlawfully borrowing a doctor's license.

Reports can be submitted online via the Integrity Portal or the Government Joint Civil Complaint Center, or in person or by mail to the ACRC. Anonymous proxy reporting through a lawyer is also permitted. The maximum reward is up to 3 billion won ($2.04 million).

“Whistleblowers' confidentiality is strictly protected. Protective measures such as rights restoration and personal safety are available. Anonymous lawyer-assisted reporting is an option,” the commission said.