Laboratory technician remanded for allegedly altering HIV test results

A laboratory technician who allegedly collected GH¢400 under the pretext of changing an HIV test result was on Tuesday remanded into police custody by an Accra District Magistrate’s Court.

Prosper Felli of Odorna Clinic at Adabraka pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences.

The court presided over Mr Ali Baba Baturi, remanded Felli into police custody to re-appear on December 27.

It declined bail application by defence counsel.

Mr Twumasi Ankrah, Legal Officer of Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), prayed the court to remand the accused to enable them conduct further investigations into the matter.

He believed there was a syndicate which the AMA and the police needed to burst and expressed fears that when the accused was granted bail he might interfere with investigations.

Mr Ankrah said the complainant (name withheld) and four others applied to the management of Zoomlion (a Waste Management Company) for employment and were asked to go for a medical examination on December 7.

He said the complainant was singled out by the accused and informed that the result was HIV positive but could alter the result to read negative for a fee of GHc400 to be employed.

Mr Ankrah said although the complainant was traumatised she underwent another test at the Advanced Diagnostic Centre which proved negative.

He said as a result, the complainant reported the matter to the AMA Public Health Department which had supervision over clinics in the metropolis.

Mr Ankrah said the complainant later called the accused and handed over the money (which had its serial numbers taken down by security personnel) in exchange for the changed results.

He said after the accused had received the money, was arrested.

Source: GNA