Johannesburg - Medical scheme, Discovery Health, is investigating claims made by fraud convict Schabir Shaik for his 76-day stay at a Durban hospital, the Sunday Times reported.

"It is being investigated and if the claims are clinically appropriate then we will pay in terms of the rules of the scheme. If claims are found to be clinically inappropriate then we won't pay. Some claims have been discharged," Discovery marketing officer, Hylton Kallner, said.

The scheme had blocked any further payment until it had completed its investigation into the authenticity of Shaik's condition, the report said.

Shaik, a dependent on his wife Zuleika's Discovery medical scheme, was admitted to a private hospital, St Augustine's, where the cost of his bed alone totals more than R150 000.

His admission into hospital, 16 days after his prison term commenced, sparked an outcry from medical experts and the public.

Correctional services spokesperson Manelisi Wolela told the Sunday Times that correctional services minister Ngconde Balfour was also planning to launch an investigation into Shaik's condition.

"I think it would help to clear up the question of his sickness. No judgement has been made that the claims are false," he said.

Despite reservations expressed by medical experts on the length of Shaik's stay in hospital, his brother Mo said "a stroke or cardiac collapse is almost imminent".

With acknowledgement to Sapa and News24.