CADE investigates medical cooperative for cartel

The Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) is investigating potential anticompetitive conduct in the anaesthesiology market in the Federal District (DF). Investigation was launched following a report submitted by the Prosecution Services of the Federal District and Territories (MPDFT).

Investigation centres on the Cooperative of Anaesthesiologists of the Federal District (COOPANEST/DF) and affiliated members. The agency found that the parties conducted practices that may have restricted competition in the sector, raising concerns about free competition and the adequate provision of healthcare services in the region.

The main practices identified also point to an attempt to standardise the conduct of members, with evidence that the cooperative centralised negotiations and the billing of the services. Reports obtained by the authority indicate harassment and exclusion of members who do not comply with the imposed practices. Significant barriers to entry for new professionals in the market were also reported, including the requirements of BRL multi-million payments to join established groups.

On 10 April, the suspicions were reinforced with the launch of Operation Toque de Midaz, conducted by the MPDFT in partnership with the Investigative Police of the Federal District. The operation targeted an alleged criminal organisation responsible for cartel practices carried out through a medical cooperative.

Given the convergence of findings from the different authorities, CADE intends to request judicial authorisation to access the evidence gathered during the operation. The material may strengthen the administrative enquiry conducted by the agency and support a deeper analysis of the practices that may have harmed free competition in the sector.