Karaganda women overcharged for free abortions under OSMS program

Authorities in Karaganda have uncovered widespread overcharging for medical services. Women in the region were incorrectly billed for abortion procedures despite full coverage under the OSMS programme. A prosecutor’s investigation has already secured refunds for hundreds of affected patients. An inquiry revealed 775 cases of overcharging across three years, totalling 22 million tenge. Many involved double payments for the same medical services. Investigators also identified that women in Malikhan Bekeykhan District had been charged for abortions, which should have been free under OSMS.

So far, 218 women in the district have received reimbursements amounting to 7 million tenge. The process of returning excess fees to other affected patients is still underway. The investigation exposed systemic billing errors in Karaganda’s healthcare system. Refunds continue for those overcharged, and authorities have recovered a significant portion of the misappropriated funds. The findings highlight the need for stricter oversight of medical service payments.