The Commerce Commission today confirmed that it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of arrangements between the Southern Health CHE and two Australian ophthalmologists to undertake cataract surgery in Invercargill on a short-term basis.
Commission Chairman Dr Alan Bollard said that the main focus of the investigation will be on whether the Opthalmological Society or other parties may have breached section 27 or section 29 of the Commerce Act.
Section 27 of the Act prohibits contracts arrangements or understandings that substantially lessen competition. Section 29 prohibits contracts arrangements or understandings between competitors that prevent, restrict, or limit the ability of other competitors to acquire or supply goods or services.
