A PHARMACIST has been disqualified by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal from applying for registration for three years, following hearings finding him guilty of engaging in professional misconduct.
In Mar 2015, Ali Kozanoglu was convicted in the County Court of Victoria of two counts of trafficking a drug of dependence, namely dextromethorphan, between 01 Jun 2010 and 23 Jun 2011, with a three year prison sentence.
In making its finding, the tribunal observed that, "to say (Kozanoglu's) conduct, as found by a jury, leading to conviction, was substantially below the expected standard, is an understatement.
"The fundamental obligation of a pharmacist is to ensure the health and wellbeing of their patient(s).
"This is achieved by providing appropriate high-quality treatment including appropriate provision of medicine(s), as well as safeguarding people from inappropriate treatment and medication use.
"Mr Kozanoglu betrayed that obligation," the tribunal said, adding that its severe penalty was to "send a message of deterrence".
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