Hi there,

This week we’d like to share a story from Guatemala. It's a story about healthcare fraud and its devastating impact on innocent people – and how, with your support, we can fight back and keep people alive.

In December 2014, the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) awarded a US$15 million contract to medical supplier Productos Infantiles, S.A. (PISA) for the provision of kidney dialysis to some 530 patients. Almost immediately, patients who’d lived with kidney disease for years started to get sick. Patients reported unsanitary conditions and an IGSS doctor soon confirmed an increase in infections. More patients than before were dying from treatment that should have allowed them to lead a close-to-normal life.

Alarmed patients turned to Transparency International’s chapter in Guatemala, Acción Ciudadana, for help. Our chapter’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre found evidence that PISA was unqualified to hold the contract: PISA failed to meet health and safety standards for medical personnel and the conditions required to perform dialysis, and the firm subcontracted services in violation of regulations. Our chapter's legal team helped uncover that the contract had been awarded through a rigged bidding process.

Our chapter helped the patients file a complaint with the Guatemalan Ombudsperson for Human Rights, who found the abuse of power and negligence shown by the IGSS to be a direct violation of the patients’ rights to health and life. PISA’s contract was annulled, and the previous provider reinstituted. Investigations revealed that 17 people from both the public and private sector, including the then head of the IGSS, had apparently approved PISA’s contract as part of a US$2 million bribery scandal.

By working with our chapter’s legal team, survivors and relatives of victims of this deadly healthcare fraud were able to raise their voice in court. PISA and IGSS officials stand accused of carelessly executing their duties and contributing to the deaths of over 40 patients, with hundreds more people left ravaged by infections and illness. Out of this tragedy, there is hope that the corrupt conspirators may finally face justice.

Corruption and fraud like this isn’t unique to Guatemala – it happens all around the world. With your help, we can address life-threatening corruption and support victims in the pursuit of justice.

Your donation allows us to continue to create systems to prevent corruption, enforce anti-corruption laws and bring the corrupt to justice. Your support makes us stronger, and better able to hold people and institutions accountable for their actions, to the benefit of all.

The state of global money laundering in four charts

Over 180 countries have signed up to implement the Financial Action Task Force package of 40 anti-money laundering recommendations. We took a look at how seriously countries are taking these commitments. Surprise! There's plenty of room for improvement.

Corruption reporting award: and the winner is...

Transparency International sponsored the Corruption Reporting Award as part of the One World Media Awards. Check out this year's winner, Stealing Paradise, a shocking investigation into corruption, intimidation and the sale of idyllic islands in the Maldives. Watch the film.

Corruption in the news this week

Focus on the USA

Donald Trump now faces four different lawsuits over his conflicts of interest.

For months, President Trump has been obsessed – publicly and privately – with clearing his name in relation to the ongoing investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and potential collusion with members of his campaign.

Hollywood confidential

The wide world of sports (corruption)

Other news

Blogs and opinion