Pharmacist Suspended for Misconduct in Covid-19 Testing Services

The GPhC Fitness to Practise Committee reviewed the case of a pharmacist, referred to here as “the registrant,” who faced allegations of misconduct related to the operation of Covid-19 testing services at Sai Pharmacy in North London. The allegations involved dishonesty, improper record-keeping, and the issuance of misleading “Fit to Fly” certificates during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Allegations and Proven Findings

1. Improper Record-Keeping:
   • The registrant failed to maintain adequate records for Covid-19 tests, including cash transactions recorded as “no sale.”
2. Misleading Accreditation Claims:
   • Certificates falsely cited UKAS accreditation or third-party laboratory involvement that was unverified.
3. Dishonesty to Inspectors:
   • During an inspection by NHS Test and Trace, the registrant provided misleading information, including claims about UKAS accreditation that were knowingly untrue.
4. Certificates Without Valid Tests:
   • The registrant issued certificates for tests not conducted according to regulatory standards, compromising public trust.

While some allegations, such as substituting tests, were not proven, the overall findings highlighted severe breaches of professional integrity and public safety.

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Fitness to Practise Findings

The Committee determined that the registrant’s conduct:

• Demonstrated dishonesty, compromising trust in the pharmacy profession.
• Breached critical public safety standards, particularly during a public health crisis.
• Highlighted a lack of professional accountability in adhering to regulatory guidelines.

Despite admitting to some failures, the registrant failed to show sufficient insight or remediation, leading the Committee to conclude that fitness to practise was impaired.

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Outcome and Sanctions

The GPhC imposed a 12-month suspension, emphasizing the need for the registrant to reflect on their actions and demonstrate meaningful remediation before returning to practice. A review hearing will be required to assess the registrant’s readiness for reinstatement.

The decision underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and adherence to professional standards, especially during critical periods like the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Key Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals

1. Regulatory Compliance is Critical: Claims about accreditation must be accurate and verifiable to maintain public trust.
2. Honesty is Non-Negotiable: Dishonesty during inspections or when issuing certificates severely undermines professional integrity.
3. Accountability Matters: Accurate record-keeping and transparency are fundamental responsibilities of all pharmacy professionals.
4. Leadership During Public Health Crises: Pharmacists must set a positive example, especially during emergencies, to protect public safety and confidence in the profession.