An Edmonton pharmacist has been suspended after a disciplinary tribunal found he misused controlled drugs and was dishonest with a regulator.
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A hearing tribunal of the Alberta College of Pharmacy found Azhar Qureshi guilty of unprofessional conduct, including misusing one or more controlled substances on two occasions and responding dishonestly to an investigator.
The tribunal said Qureshi breached statutory obligations, undermined the integrity of the profession and diminished public trust, while creating the potential for patient harm.
Qureshi’s practice permit has been suspended for 18 months, with 12 months to be served from March 31 to March 31, 2027, and six months held in abeyance. The remaining six months could be imposed if another complaint related to drug misuse is received.
Before returning to practice, he must complete an ethics course and provide a physician’s report confirming he is fit to work, along with any required treatment or monitoring.
If reinstated, Qureshi must comply with several conditions, including practising under direct supervision for at least six months and following any recommended monitoring and support measures for one year. He is also barred from being a pharmacy licensee for five years.
For five years, Qureshi must provide a copy of the tribunal’s decision to any employer or pharmacy licensee where he works or has ownership. He was also ordered to pay $18,000 toward hearing costs.
The tribunal noted there were no findings that the drugs were diverted from pharmacies owned by Qureshi and no allegations of patient harm.
In its written decision, the tribunal said misuse of controlled drugs by a pharmacist “fundamentally breaches the trust and confidence” the public must place in regulated health professionals and warned that dishonesty during investigations undermines the profession’s accountability and transparency.
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