NI Pharmacist Fined As Unqualified Worker Distributes Strong Meds

A County Down pharmacist has been fined £25,000 for allowing an unqualified worker to supply prescription medication such as methadone and pregabalin.

The crime at Gerard Maginn's Harts Pharmacy on Main Street, Newcastle, was discovered last year during an inspection audit.

The legal requirement is that a registered pharmacist must administer potentially dangerous medications, but the 63-year-old had allowed Gordon Thompson, 33, to supply members of the public with a range of antibiotics, warfarin, pregabalin and methadone on March 24, 2017.

Both men pleaded guilty to the charges against them, leading to the first conviction for this type of crime in Northern Ireland.

Mr Maginn received the fine and 100 hours of community service, while his technician was ordered to complete 80 hours of service and pay £1,000 at Downpatrick Crown Court.

Investigator Peter Moore, who is a Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer with the Department of Health, said: "Medicines are not everyday consumer goods- and appropriately, strict legal controls apply to their sale and supply.

"It is with good reason that the law requires a qualified pharmacist to be present in the pharmacy dispensary when prescription medicines are being supplied to members of the public.

"When entering a pharmacy the public should have reasonable expectation that their prescription needs will be met by a qualified professional."

Canice Ward from the Medicines Regulatory Group said the public should rest assured that pharmacies across Northern Ireland are subject to inspection and compliance visits to ensure they are operating safely.

"This conviction sends a clear message that there are serious consequences if an owner attempts to operate a pharmacy without a pharmacist being present or if someone tries to work as a pharmacist when they are not qualified or registered to practise," Mrs ward added.



(JG)