Penticton pharmacist fined, suspended for significant professional misconduct

A Penticton pharmacist has been suspended and will pay a hefty fine following a complaint to the B.C. College of Pharmacists.

Joell Mbamy, owner of Sunrise Pharmacy at 749 Main St. in Penticton, was found to have committed significant professional misconduct, following an inquiry by the college into practises at the pharmacy.

A Nov. 6, 2018 inspection by the college discovered numerous infractions at Sunrise Pharmacy, including improper dispensing of opioids, dispensing medication without a prescription, failure to store methadone properly and inaccurate paperwork.

The inspection also discovered vaccines and insulin were being stored improperly, and expired drugs weren’t being stored in a separate or secured storage area.

The college was also notified of the overdose death of a pharmacy employee on March 22, 2018. Security footage showed the employee, a minor, was in the dispensary and compounding rooms without supervision on 13 separate occasions, but there was no evidence the employee obtained methadone from the pharmacy.

In July 2019, the college also looked into complaints surrounding dispensing irregularities associated with a temporary closing of the pharmacy.

The college found Mbamy “neglected basic duties as a pharmacist,” and "committed or allowed actions that were unethical.”

“The totality of her conduct demonstrated an egregious breach of trust and undermines the integrity of the profession,” the inquiry committee found.

Mbamy was given a $20,000 fine, in addition to a three month suspension.

She cannot dispense narcotics or controlled drug substances for opioid agonist treatment, compound any medication or prepare and dispense intravenous medication for 18 months, and must successfully retake several courses before the above conditions are removed.

Find past stories on Joelle Mbamy here.

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