Pharmacist Suspended for Six Months After Supplying Controlled Drugs on Invalid Prescriptions
Date of Decision: July 6, 2023
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- While working as Superintendent Pharmacist at Avantgarde Pharma Ltd (Al-Shafa Pharmacy, Walsall), the pharmacist:
- Supplied controlled drugs to Patient A between January 2018 and February 2019 using prescriptions that were not legally valid.
- Dispensed controlled drugs based on prescriptions that were handwrittenly altered, missing dosage information, or expired.
- Failed to verify the legitimacy of prescriptions despite multiple ‘red flags’ suggesting fraud.
- Allowed Patient A, who was potentially addicted to opioids, to receive excessive quantities of Fentanyl and Tramadol without proper checks.
- Became overly trusting of Patient A and failed to act in the patient’s best interest by ensuring appropriate prescribing.
Outcome: Suspension (6 months) with no review
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 1 – Provide Person-Centred Care
- Standard 2 – Work in Partnership with Others
- Standard 3 – Communicate Effectively
- Standard 5 – Use Professional Judgment
- Standard 6 – Behave in a Professional Manner
- Standard 9 – Demonstrate Leadership
Case Summary
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Fitness to Practise Committee investigated a pharmacist after he was found to have supplied large quantities of controlled drugs using invalid and fraudulent prescriptions.
Between January 2018 and February 2019, he:
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
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Original Case Document
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