NHS mileage claims in Wales total almost £33 million over the last two years.
According to figures obtained by the Welsh Conservatives, the amount paid out in 2009/10 was £16,273,578.
During 2010/11 that figure rose to £16,656,093.
Two Health Boards saw decreases in mileage payments; a drop of 1.1 per cent for Cwm Taf and of 18.9 per cent for Powys.
Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said: “While I do not question the existence of mileage allowances for NHS professionals, I do seek assurances that this money is being spent effectively.
“All but two of these Health Boards have seen increases in the amount paid out. In one case that rise is almost half a million pounds.
“In contrast, Powys LHB has seen a significant decrease of almost a quarter of a million pounds in mileage claims.
“The Health Minister must look at that disparity and provide assurances that all Health Boards are dealing with mileage claims efficiently.
“While travel is crucial for NHS professionals, the cumulative mileage total remains of great concern at a time when the Welsh Labour government is cutting the health budget by a billion pounds.”
