The corruption investigation into cardiologists in the Zwolle hospital Isala focuses on expensive, implantable electronic heart devices. Since the autumn of 2020, the Public Prosecution Service has been investigating payments from a German seller of implantable defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers.
Justice suspects that manufacturer Biotronik has paid millions in bribes to medical specialists. This is apparent from research by NRC in collaboration with the German weekly Der Spiegel.
Most implantable defibrillators (ICDs) in the Netherlands are placed in the Zwolle hospital. It is regarded as a center of expertise, but within the professional group the high number of implants in Zwolle leads to discussion. Patients in Zwolle are heavier and older and have a device in their body as a preventive measure more often than average.
Supervisors, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and health insurers have been wondering for some time whether cardiologists do not decide to implant too quickly. According to critics, the health risks are underestimated. There are major financial interests involved. Every year around 6,000 ICDs are installed nationwide, with the equipment alone costing 130 million euros. After an implant, patient support should be available 24/7.
According to NRC and Der Spiegel, the hospital’s cardiologists together received 3.2 million euros in benefits in recent years. At the end of June, de Volkskrant reported that at least five (former) employees of Isala’s specialist department are suspected of taking bribes, and two cardiologists were suspended.
The two cardiologists work for the Isala Medical Specialist Company, which is active at several Isala locations, but the hospital umbrella did not say whether they are also active in Meppel.