3 pharmacists linked to Thunder Bay pharmacy now face misconduct allegations by Ontario regulator

Michelle Allan · CBC News

· Posted: Apr 09, 2025 4:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 7 minutes ago

Multiple pharmacists linked to a southbound Thunder Bay, Ont., pharmacy look an further acceptable of misconduct allegations by the profession's provincial regulator, including falsifying records.

One pharmacist besides faces allegations of taking oregon misappropriating drugs from the store connected Victoria Avenue. 

Fort William Medical Pharmacy and 2 pharmacists were already nether the Ontario College of Pharmacists' (OCP) scrutiny for allegations of misconduct that allegedly occurred betwixt astir January 2023 and May 2023. 

Jaspreet Sahota and Chi (Hao) Luu are facing nonrecreational misconduct hearings related to those allegations referred to the assemblage successful 2024. They see breaking national narcotic instrumentality and dispensing prescriptions without valid authorization, according to the proceeding info connected the OCP nationalist registry. 

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The OCP precocious made caller allegations against Sahota, Luu and a 3rd pharmacist, Alamgir (Alam) Hallan. The latest allegations, referred to the assemblage connected March 24, impeach each of the 3 pharmacists of falsifying records and billing for medicine reviews that were ne'er conducted oregon done improperly, according to the OCP. 

CBC News attempted to scope Sahota by email and phone but did not person a effect by clip of publication.  

When reached by CBC via phone, Luu declined to comment.

"I admit the allegations nether reappraisal by the Ontario College of Pharmacists. My presumption is that they are unfounded and I volition beryllium disputing them," said Hallan successful an emailed response. He said helium would not supply further comment, citing the ongoing OCP proceedings. 

"[Hallan] falsified (or permitted, consented to oregon approved, expressly oregon by implication, the falsification of) records relating to MedsCheck services," reads the summary of allegations. 

"[He] submitted (or permitted, consented to, oregon approved, expressly oregon by implication, the submission of) claims for outgo to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program for MedsCheck services that were ne'er conducted and/or were non-compliant with the requirements acceptable distant by the Ministry of Health," alleges the OCP.

Disciplinary hearings successful coming weeks

MedsCheck, besides known arsenic medicine reviews, is simply a authorities programme that reimburses pharmacies successful Ontario for reviewing a patient's medications to guarantee they're being taken correctly. 

WATCH | Why Ontario's MedsCheck programme is getting a person look:

The OCP besides alleges Sahota "misappropriated and/or took drugs without authorization from the pharmacy, including but not constricted to controlled drugs and substances," said the website. 

The alleged misconduct by Sahota, Luu and Hallan is said to person happened astir betwixt October 2021 and May 2023, said the OCP. 

Sahota is scheduled to look disciplinary hearings for the erstwhile allegations of nonrecreational and proprietary misconduct connected April 22. Luu's proceeding is scheduled for May 5. Hallan's proceeding and the consequent hearings successful narration to Sahota and Luu's further alleged misconduct person yet to beryllium scheduled. 

The corp that owns the pharmacy, Fort William Medical Pharmacy Inc., is listed arsenic "In Receivership" connected the OCP website. The pharmacy was listed arsenic "entitled to operate" arsenic of Tuesday. 

The OCP profiles for Luu and Hallan stated they tin supply diligent attraction with nary restrictions. Neither has listed Fort William Medical Pharmacy arsenic a existent workplace.

Sahota's illustration said helium was capable to supply attraction with conditions. "Concerns" listed by the OCP included an active, indefinite interim bid including monitoring requirements was imposed connected his signifier April 1. His illustration listed Fort William Medical Pharmacy arsenic a workplace arsenic of Tuesday.