Pharmacist Suspended for Failing to Maintain Indemnity Insurance and Dishonesty

In a recent GPhC Fitness to Practise determination, a pharmacist was suspended for three months due to misconduct involving the failure to maintain appropriate indemnity insurance and subsequent dishonesty. The pharmacist, who owned Elders Chemist, admitted to not having the necessary insurance from 2010 to 2020 and falsely declaring its existence during annual GPhC registration renewals. The case highlighted significant breaches of professional standards, including honesty, integrity, and leadership.

The allegations centered on the pharmacist’s failure to ensure indemnity insurance for over a decade, dishonestly declaring its existence during GPhC renewals, misleading a GPhC inspector about the lapse, and attempting to conceal the full duration of operating without insurance. The pharmacist admitted to most allegations but contested the dishonesty claim regarding the declarations, which was partially upheld.

The GPhC found that the pharmacist’s actions brought the profession into disrepute and breached fundamental principles, such as honesty and leadership. Despite the misconduct, the pharmacist demonstrated remorse, took steps to rectify the issues, and received positive testimonials from colleagues and patients.

The determination emphasized the importance of maintaining proper insurance and being transparent with regulators. It serves as a reminder to pharmacy professionals to uphold integrity and ensure compliance with professional standards to maintain public trust and confidence in the profession.