Significant evidence as two doctors and secretary accused of over 130 Longford thefts

Two midlands doctors and a secretary charged with multiple counts of stealing money under a state-funded healthcare reimbursement scheme and submitting false medical service claims on behalf of patients to the HSE are due to reappear before Longford Circuit Court in October.

Doctors Muhammad Azam (59), of The Rocks, Stonepark, Co Longford, and Waqas Farooqi (46), of Belvedere Hills, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, and secretary Gillian McCord (56) of Knockanboy, Co Longford, appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court this morning (Tuesday, July 15).

It was heard that the trio had only recently been served with the book of evidence and counsel needed more time to go through it.

Also read: Two doctors & secretary face trial for theft and deception in Longford

The three accused face a combined total of 135 charges, including 20 counts of theft and 22 counts of using false general medical services claims or out-of-hours payment forms.

Those false claims related to 12 different patients at the Primary Care Reimbursement Services, Exit 50, North Road, Finglas, Dublin 11.

Dr Azam faces a total of 48 charges, with Dr Farooqi facing 47 charges, and a total of 42 charges brought against Ms McCord.

It is alleged the trio used false medical documentation to indicate that patients had received medical services. Dr Azam and Dr Farooqi were also charged with multiple counts of money laundering at locations within the state between October 2017 and December 2019.

All three have been remanded on continuing bail and will reappear on October 28, 2025 for mention.

Also read: Man caught shoplifting in Longford was ‘trying to impress new girlfriend’