DOCTOR FACES DRUG-RELATED CHARGES, PROBE BY PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

A North Battleford doctor is facing drug-related charges and an
investigation into his conduct by his professional
association.

The doctor, who has not been named, was charged on Thursday with false
pretence and with counselling to commit trafficking a narcotic, RCMP
said.

"About two weeks ago, a complaint was received at the North Battleford
RCMP detachment and a subsequent investigation was initiated and, as a
result, charges were laid," said RCMP Const. Keith Hill, in an
interview from North Battleford.

Hill wouldn't provide details about the charges, nor would he say
where the doctor was when police visited him to serve notice of the
charges.

"The investigation is still ongoing. We are still looking into
different things relating to this," he said.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan is conducting
its own investigation into the doctor's conduct.

RCMP alerted the college of the allegation made against the
doctor.

"It involves an allegation that he provided a script to a patient for
a controlled drug that wasn't intended for her use. The intention was
that she would fill the prescription and then return the drug," said
Bryan Salte, associate registrar and legal counsel for the college.

The physician continues to practice medicine in North
Battleford.

"Even if (the allegation) were to be true, it would be unprofessional
conduct, but it isn't likely the type of thing that would result in an
interim suspension. It's not something that indicates a real pressing
danger immediately to the public," said Salte.

The college will continue its investigation while watching the
criminal proceedings.

A spokesperson with Prairie North Health Region wasn't aware of
criminal charges being laid against the North Battleford doctor.

"If it is a physician who has a private clinic, we would certainly not
be involved because it's a private clinic. We also need to assume that
until the doctor is proven guilty, he remains innocent. We would leave
it in the hands of the RCMP and the college of physicians and
surgeons," said Lionel Chabot, vice-president of development
operations at Prairie North Health Region.

The doctor is scheduled to appear in North Battleford provincial court
on Tuesday.