Former AHS CEO’s lawsuit alleges pressure to sign private surgery deals she believed were overpriced

expensive contracts, suspecting that they were overpriced and possibly involved kickbacks or other forms of corruption.

The lawsuit also delves into the relationship between AHS officials and private surgical companies, alleging that Marshall Smith pressured the former CEO to finalize contracts with these firms, despite her concerns about their billing practices and performance. The close ties between Smith and Jitendra Prasad, a top AHS procurement official with connections to major contractors, are highlighted as potential conflicts of interest.

Furthermore, the lawsuit reveals that one former AHS employee involved in procurement joined MHCare after leaving the agency, and obtained an ownership stake in private surgery clinics without fully disclosing their corporate ownership. This lack of transparency led to suspicions of collusion and unethical behavior within the procurement process.

The document also accuses Marshall Smith of interfering in AHS operations, particularly in relation to the hiring and firing of employees critical of the government. The premier’s aide allegedly warned Mentzelopoulos about an AHS paramedic who was vocal in his criticism of the government, implying that there would be consequences if she did not take action against him.

In response to these allegations, Marshall Smith has called them “outrageous and false,” but has indicated his willingness to cooperate with investigations into the matter. The lawsuit paints a picture of a government and health agency embroiled in controversy and political interference, with serious implications for the delivery of healthcare services in Alberta.

Premier Danielle Smith and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange have both denied any personal involvement in the alleged wrongdoing, but have pledged to cooperate with the auditor general’s investigation and the internal review by AHS. The outcome of these inquiries could have far-reaching consequences for the UCP government and the province’s healthcare system as a whole.

As the legal battle between Athana Mentzelopoulos and Alberta Health Services continues, the public is left to grapple with the implications of these explosive allegations and the potential impact on the integrity of the healthcare system. Only time will tell what the full extent of the alleged improprieties is and what steps will be taken to address them and prevent similar issues from arising in the future.