Multiple pharmacists linked to a south Thunder Bay, Ont., pharmacy face an additional set of misconduct allegations by the profession’s provincial regulator, including falsifying records.
One pharmacist also faces allegations of taking or misappropriating drugs from the shop on Victoria Avenue.
Fort William Medical Pharmacy and two pharmacists were already under the Ontario College of Pharmacists’ (OCP) scrutiny for allegations of misconduct that allegedly occurred between roughly January 2023 and May 2023.
Jaspreet Sahota and Chi (Hao) Luu are facing professional misconduct hearings related to those allegations referred to the college in 2024. They include breaking federal narcotic law and dispensing prescriptions without valid authorization, according to the hearing info on the OCP public registry.
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The OCP recently made new allegations against Sahota, Luu and a third pharmacist, Alamgir (Alam) Hallan. The latest allegations, referred to the college on March 24, accuse each of the three pharmacists of falsifying records and billing for medication reviews that were never conducted or done improperly, according to the OCP.
CBC News attempted to reach Sahota by email and phone but did not receive a response by time of publication.
When reached by CBC via phone, Luu declined to comment.
“I acknowledge the allegations under review by the Ontario College of Pharmacists. My view is that they are unfounded and I will be disputing them,” said Hallan in an emailed response. He said he would not provide further comment, citing the ongoing OCP proceedings.
“[Hallan] falsified (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or by implication, the falsification of) records relating to MedsCheck services,” reads the summary of allegations.
“[He] submitted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or by implication, the submission of) claims for payment to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program for MedsCheck services that were never conducted and/or were non-compliant with the requirements set forth by the Ministry of Health,” alleges the OCP.
Disciplinary hearings in coming weeks
MedsCheck, also known as medication reviews, is a government program that reimburses pharmacies in Ontario for reviewing a patient’s medications to ensure they’re being taken correctly.
Allegations of improper MedsChecks and corporate pressure to bill for them has prompted some to take a closer look at the program.
The OCP also alleges Sahota “misappropriated and/or took drugs without authorization from the pharmacy, including but not limited to controlled drugs and substances,” said the website.
The alleged misconduct by Sahota, Luu and Hallan is said to have happened roughly between October 2021 and May 2023, said the OCP.
Sahota is scheduled to face disciplinary hearings for the previous allegations of professional and proprietary misconduct on April 22. Luu’s hearing is scheduled for May 5. Hallan’s hearing and the subsequent hearings in relation to Sahota and Luu’s additional alleged misconduct have yet to be scheduled.
The corporation that owns the pharmacy, Fort William Medical Pharmacy Inc., is listed as “In Receivership” on the OCP website. The pharmacy was listed as “entitled to operate” as of Tuesday.
The OCP profiles for Luu and Hallan stated they can provide patient care with no restrictions. Neither has listed Fort William Medical Pharmacy as a current workplace.
Sahota’s profile said he was able to provide care with conditions. “Concerns” listed by the OCP included an active, indefinite interim order including monitoring requirements was imposed on his practice April 1. His profile listed Fort William Medical Pharmacy as a workplace as of Tuesday.
