Chairman of the Board of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)
MONTREAL, Feb. 27, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - We learned today that warrants have been issued for the arrest of Dr. Arthur Porter and Mr. Yanai Elbaz, two former executives of the MUHC, along with three other individuals. Dr. Porter and Mr. Elbaz are charged with "fraud, conspiracy to defraud, fraud against the government, breach of trust, taking secret commissions and money laundering".
As we have repeatedly stated, if any illegal behaviour took place, the individuals involved should be prosecuted. The alleged actions of Dr. Porter and Mr. Elbaz are clearly contrary to our values and our code of ethics. Please rest assured that we will continue to monitor the situation and assess our options, including legal action.
We wish to reiterate that the authorities have made it clear that no current employee or the institution itself are under investigation.
We have frequently expressed our hope that UPAC would complete its investigation without delay. Today's warrants bring clarity to the situation, and, as we have done since September, we will continue to collaborate with the authorities. We should also point out that we have taken measures to update our governance as well as our administrative policies and procedures in order to ensure that we will meet the highest standards.
I speak on behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire MUHC community in expressing our anger and sadness with the alleged behaviour of Dr. Porter and Mr. Elbaz. We are particularly upset for the 12,000 women and men who work at the MUHC, providing patients and their families with leading edge care on a daily basis. We admire you and are grateful for your compassion, dedication and professionalism.
Going forward, our focus is on advancing our academic healthcare mission and being a leader in patient care, teaching, research and technology assessment. We have a proud tradition of excellence, and all of us are committed to building on this solid foundation.
About the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) One of the world's foremost academic health centres, the MUHC offers exceptional and integrated patient-centric care, research, teaching and technology assessment. Affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University, it is highly committed to the continuum of care in its community. The partner hospitals of the MUHC—the Lachine Hospital, the Montreal Chest Institute, the Montreal General Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal Children's Hospital— value multidisciplinary service throughout the lifespan, innovative technologies and practices, strategic partnerships and leadership in knowledge transfer. The MUHC is currently carrying out a $2.355-billion Redevelopment Project on three sites—the Glen, and the Montreal General and Lachine hospitals—designed to provide healthcare professionals with an effective environment in which to ensure patients and their families benefit from The Best Care for Life. The sites are also anchored in best sustainable-development practices, including LEED® and BOMA BESt guidelines www.muhc.ca muhc.ca/construction
SOURCE: MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE
Julie Paquet, McGill University Health Centre 514 934-1934, extension 71684
[email protected]
Share this article