Overview
- The Order of Physicians logged 306 falsification cases in 2024, up from 85 in 2023, representing 16% of reported issues.
- Assurance Maladie estimates losses at just over €13 million in 2024, about 10% more than the prior year.
- Fraud methods range from fully fabricated scripts to patient-altered orders and theft of prescription pads or stamps from medical offices.
- Pharmacists have a secure alert tool to flag suspect prescriptions, while the national e‑prescription system in force since January 1, 2025 has yet to achieve broad uptake.
- Penalties can reach €375,000 in fines and five years in prison, with recent cases involving stolen physician identities and opioid orders arranged via social networks.