Embezzlement of 183 Million Ariary at CHRD Itaosy : Case referred by BIANCO to the Anti-Corruption Unit

The Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau (BIANCO) recently completed an investigation into a large-scale embezzlement of public funds at the level 2 Itaosy District Reference Hospital (CHRD), involving a total amount of 183,092,109.71 Ariary.

The case originated from a referral by the Ministry of Public Health following the identification of major financial irregularities during audits conducted in 2024 by its departments, namely the Analamanga Regional Directorate of Public Health (DRSP) and the Internal Audit Unit (CAI).

Investigations carried out by BIANCO revealed that revenue generated from the sale of medicines was not deposited into the official CHRD account but was instead diverted to the personal mobile money accounts of a managing couple, representatives of the MISANDRATRA HASINA Association, the service provider responsible for managing the pharmacy unit for a period of two years.

In an attempt to conceal these irregularities, the suspects resorted to falsifying banking documents, fabricating an unsubstantiated theft claim, and corrupting the initial audit team. Furthermore, the head of the institution, who was responsible for oversight and control, failed to fulfill his legal and administrative obligations.

At the conclusion of the investigation, three individuals—the managing couple and one auditor implicated in an act of corruption—were placed in pre-trial detention at Antanimora Central Prison, while three other auditors have been placed under judicial supervision. They are being prosecuted for embezzlement of public funds, forgery and use of forged private documents, abuse of office, active and passive corruption, as well as money laundering.

This case highlights the need to strengthen internal control mechanisms within public health institutions and demonstrates the firm commitment of the competent authorities to combat corruption and impunity.