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Chohan, Karandeep Singh (May 27, 2025)

Description of Action:

A panel of the Inquiry Committee (the “Panel”) of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (the “College”) has ordered that, effective May 27, 2025, the registration of pharmacist Karandeep Singh Chohan (the “Registrant”) is suspended pending completion of the investigation and any resulting disciplinary hearing.

While his registration is suspended, the Registrant must not practice pharmacy in British Columbia, must not act as a pharmacy manager, and must not hold himself out as being a registrant of the College.

This interim suspension order is made pursuant to the authority for taking extraordinary action under section 35 of the Health Professions Act. Suspension under this authority requires the Inquiry Committee to be satisfied that the evidence shows there is a real risk of harm to patients, pharmacy professionals or other members of the public if the order is not made. However, it is important to note that the Inquiry Committee has not made any findings of fact or any findings as to whether any allegations regarding the Registrant are or are not proven.

Reasons for Action:

The Registrant was the pharmacy manager of Fraser Outreach Pharmacy (the “Pharmacy”), located at 4127 Fraser Street in the city of Vancouver.

The College received concerns from a healthcare provider regarding the provision of Opioid Agonist Treatment (“OAT”) services by the Pharmacy’s staff. In May 2024, College inspectors performed an onsite inspection of the Pharmacy. In August 2024, College inspectors performed a follow-up onsite inspection of the Pharmacy. In both instances, College inspectors identified what appeared to be multiple breaches of the College’s bylaws and standards under the Health Professions Act and the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act.

Based on the information before it, the Panel concluded that the Registrant’s continued practice of pharmacy and management of the Pharmacy poses a real risk to patients and other members of the public. Under the Registrant’s management of the Pharmacy, allegations have been identified regarding the following matters:

  • Inadequate narcotic inventory control and management
  • Inadequate prescription final check requirements
  • Inaccurate PharmaNet record keeping
  • Inadequate patient consultations
  • Non-compliance with OAT dispensing standards
  • Non-compliance with OAT delivery standards
  • Inadequate supervision of non-registrant staff
  • Breaches of Standards 6, 7, and 9 of the Code of Ethics relating to Benefiting Society, Personal and Professional Integrity, and Ethical Business Practices respectively

The Panel considered that the Registrant had been previously investigated for similar concerns on five previous occasions between 2016 and 2023. The Panel noted that, as a result of those previous investigations, the Registrant had declared his remediation of the concerns identified at that time and his understanding of legislated requirements and had given undertakings to abide by those requirements in future.

The Panel considered what interim measures would be sufficient and proportionate in this case. Given the Registrant’s previous investigations and his history of making undertakings and declarations involving the same or similar conduct, the Panel was concerned that the Registrant may not abide by limits and conditions placed on his registration. Therefore, having weighed the available options and the circumstances of the case, and having considered the impact on the Registrant, the Panel concluded that protection of the public can only be achieved through an interim suspension of the Registrant’s registration. 

Pal, Charanjt (May 12, 2025)

Description of Action:

A panel of the Inquiry Committee (the “Panel”) of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (the “College”) has ordered that, effective May 12, 2025, there will be limits and conditions imposed on the practice of pharmacist Charanjit Pal (the “Registrant”), pending completion of the investigation and any resulting disciplinary hearing.

The limits and conditions include:

  1. That the Registrant does not work at either Fraser Neighbourhood Pharmacy or Fraser Outreach Pharmacy in any form or capacity;
  1. That the Registrant does not work with registrant Karandeep Singh Chohan in any form or capacity;
  1. That the Registrant notify the College in writing of every pharmacy at which he works;
  1. That the Registrant does not provide Opioid Agonist Treatment (“OAT”) services in any form or capacity;
  1. That the Registrant does not provide any services related to narcotics in any form or capacity;
  1. That the Registrant does not provide any services related to “safe supply” in any form or capacity;
  1. That the Registrant does not provide any pharmacy delivery services in any form or capacity;
  1. That the Registrant does not act as a pharmacy manager, preceptor, supervisor or pharmacy owner at any pharmacy; and
  1. That the Registrant does not delegate any aspect of his practice to any other person, including to any pharmacy assistants.

This interim order is made pursuant to the authority for taking extraordinary action under section 35 of the Health Professions Act. Interim action under this authority requires the Inquiry Committee to be satisfied that the evidence shows there is a real risk of harm to patients, pharmacy professionals or other members of the public if the order is not made. However, it is important to note that the Inquiry Committee has not made any findings of fact or any findings as to whether any allegations regarding the Registrant are or are not proven.

Reasons for Action:

The Registrant is the pharmacy manager of Fraser Neighbourhood Pharmacy (the “Pharmacy”), located at 3373 Fraser Street in the city of Vancouver.

The College received concerns from healthcare providers regarding the provision of OAT services by the Pharmacy’s staff. In April 2024, College inspectors performed an onsite inspection of the Pharmacy and identified what appeared to be multiple breaches of the College’s bylaws and standards under the Health Professions Act and the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act.

Based on the information before it, the Panel concluded that there is a real risk to patients or other members of the public if an interim order is not made. Under the Registrant’s management of the Pharmacy, allegations have been identified regarding the following matters:

  • Inadequate narcotic inventory control and management
  • Inadequate prescription final check requirements
  • Inaccurate PharmaNet record keeping
  • Inadequate patient consultations
  • Non-compliance with OAT dispensing standards
  • Non-compliance with OAT delivery standards
  • Inadequate supervision of non-registrant staff
  • Breaches of Standards 6, 7, and 9 of the Code of Ethics relating to Benefiting Society, Personal and Professional Integrity, and Ethical Business Practices respectively

The Panel considered that the Registrant had been previously investigated for similar concerns at a different pharmacy in 2021. The Panel noted that, as a result of that previous investigation, the Registrant had signed a declaration acknowledging his understanding of the legislated requirements.

The Panel considered what interim measures would be sufficient and proportionate in this case. After having weighed the different options and circumstances of the case, and after considered the impact on the Registrant, the Panel concluded that limits and conditions on the Registrant’s practice were necessary to protect the public.

Malaviya, Mitesh Vaghajibhai (May 2, 2025)
  1. Nature of Action: 

    The Inquiry Committee of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (the “College”) conducted an investigation into the practice of Mitesh Vaghajibhai Malaviya (the “Registrant”), pursuant to section 33(4) of the Health Professions Act RSBC 1996 c 183 (the “HPA”).

    The Inquiry Committee and the Registrant have agreed to resolve all matters arising from the investigation by way of a Consent Agreement under section 36(1) of the HPA.

  2. Effective date: May 2, 2025 

  3. Name of registrant: Mitesh Vaghajibhai Malaviya

  4. Location of Practice: Abbotsford, BC

  5. Admissions and Acknowledgments:

    The Registrant has admitted and/or acknowledged that while practicing as a pharmacist and acting as pharmacy manager at a pharmacy he:

    1. Fraudulently refunded approximately $18,323.23 to three of his own personal credit cards and in cash to himself; and

    2. Subsequently repaid to his employer the amount he defrauded.

    Disposition:

    The Registrant entered into a Consent Agreement with the College’s Inquiry Committee, wherein he consented to terms that included (but are not limited to) the following:

    1. To be suspended as a registrant of the College for a period of sixty (60) days from May 5, 2025 to July 3, 2025;

    2. To not act in any of the following roles for a period of three (3) years following the completion of his suspension:

      • Manager of a pharmacy
      • Director or officer of a pharmacy
      • Preceptor or supervisor of pharmacy students and/or international pharmacy graduates

       

    3. To pay a fine in the amount of $1,500.00;

    4. To, at his own cost, complete and successfully pass an ethics course for healthcare professionals within 180 days of signing the Consent Agreement;

    5. To have a letter of reprimand placed on the College register for a period of two (2) years;

    6. To thoroughly review and read legislation, standards, and policies relevant to the conduct to which this matter relates; and

    7. To thoroughly review and complete the Code of Ethics: Educational Tutorial.

  6. Rationale:

    The Inquiry Committee considered the Registrant’s actions were serious and amounted to professional misconduct. It further determined that the Consent Agreement ought to include terms that are punitive in nature owing to the Registrant’s dishonest conduct.

    The Inquiry Committee considered the terms of the Consent Agreement necessary to remediate the Registrant’s conduct, deter his behaviour, protect the public, as well as send a clear message of deterrence to the profession. 

Latchman, Mamteshwari Ravnita (Mar 24, 2025)

Description of Action:

A panel of the Inquiry Committee (the “Panel”) of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (the “College”) has ordered that, effective March 24, 2025, there will be limits and conditions imposed on the practice of pharmacist Mamteshwari Ravnita Latchman (the “Registrant”), pending completion of the investigation and any resulting disciplinary hearing.

The limits and conditions include:

  1. That the Registrant does not work at Fraser Outreach Pharmacy or Fraser Neighborhood Pharmacy in any form or capacity;
  1. That the Registrant does not work with registrant Karandeep Singh Chohan or registrant Charanjit Pal in any form or capacity;
  1. That the Registrant notify the College in writing of every pharmacy where she works;
  1. That the Registrant does not provide any Opioid Agonist Treatment (“OAT”) services in any form or capacity;
  1. That the Registrant does not provide any services related to "safe supply" in any form or capacity; and
  1. That the Registrant does not act as pharmacy manager, preceptor, supervisor or owner at any pharmacy in any form or capacity.

This interim order is made pursuant to the authority for taking extraordinary action under section 35 of the Health Professions Act. Interim action under this authority requires the Inquiry Committee to be satisfied that the evidence shows there is a real risk of harm to patients, pharmacy professionals or other members of the public if the order is not made. However, it is important to note that the Inquiry Committee has not made any findings of fact or any findings as to whether any allegations regarding the Registrant are or are not proven.

Reasons for Action:

The Registrant was employed as a staff pharmacist at Fraser Outreach Pharmacy (the “Pharmacy”), located at 4127 Fraser Street in the city of Vancouver.

The College received concerns from a healthcare provider regarding the provision of OAT services by the Pharmacy’s staff. In May 2024, College inspectors performed an onsite inspection of the Pharmacy. In August 2024, College inspectors performed a follow-up onsite inspection of the Pharmacy. In both instances, College inspectors identified what appeared to be multiple breaches of the College’s bylaws and standards under the Health Professions Act and the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act.

Based on the information before it, the Panel concluded that there is a real risk to patients or other members of the public if an interim order is not made. With regards to the Registrant’s practice at the Pharmacy, allegations have been identified regarding the following matters:

  • Inadequate narcotic inventory control and management
  • Inadequate prescription final check requirements
  • Inaccurate PharmaNet record keeping
  • Inadequate patient consultations
  • Non-compliance with OAT dispensing standards
  • Non-compliance with OAT delivery standards
  • Inadequate supervision of non-registrant staff
  • Breaches of Standards 6, 7, and 9 of the Code of Ethics relating to Benefiting Society, Personal and Professional Integrity, and Ethical Business Practices respectively

The Panel considered what interim measures would be sufficient and proportionate in this case. After having weighed the different options and circumstances of the case, and after considered the impact on the Registrant, the Panel concluded that limits and conditions on the Registrant’s practice were necessary to protect the public.

Bui, Jennifer Van (Mar 24, 2025)

Description of Action:

A panel of the Inquiry Committee (the “Panel”) of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (the “College”) has ordered that, effective March 24, 2025, there will be limits and conditions imposed on the practice of pharmacist Jennifer Van Bui (the “Registrant”), pending completion of the investigation and any resulting disciplinary hearing.

The limits and conditions include:

  1. That the Registrant does not work at Fraser Outreach Pharmacy or Fraser Neighborhood Pharmacy in any form or capacity;
  2. That the Registrant does not work with registrant Karandeep Singh Chohan or registrant Charanjit Pal in any form or capacity;
  3. That the Registrant notify the College in writing of every pharmacy where she works;
  4. That the Registrant does not provide any Opioid Agonist Treatment (“OAT”) services in any form or capacity;
  5. That the Registrant does not provide any services related to "safe supply" in any form or capacity; and
  6. That the Registrant does not act as pharmacy manager, preceptor, supervisor or owner at any pharmacy in any form or capacity.

This interim order is made pursuant to the authority for taking extraordinary action under section 35 of the Health Professions Act. Interim action under this authority requires the Inquiry Committee to be satisfied that the evidence shows there is a real risk of harm to patients, pharmacy professionals or other members of the public if the order is not made. However, it is important to note that the Inquiry Committee has not made any findings of fact or any findings as to whether any allegations regarding the Registrant are or are not proven.

Reasons for Action:

The Registrant was employed as a staff pharmacist at Fraser Outreach Pharmacy (the “Pharmacy”), located at 4127 Fraser Street in the city of Vancouver.

The College received concerns from a healthcare provider regarding the provision of OAT services by the Pharmacy’s staff. In May 2024, College inspectors performed an onsite inspection of the Pharmacy. In August 2024, College inspectors performed a follow-up onsite inspection of the Pharmacy. In both instances, College inspectors identified what appeared to be multiple breaches of the College’s bylaws and standards under the Health Professions Act and the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act.

Based on the information before it, the Panel concluded that there is a real risk to patients or other members of the public if an interim order is not made. With regards to the Registrant’s practice at the Pharmacy, allegations have been identified regarding the following matters:

  • Inadequate narcotic inventory control and management
  • Inadequate prescription final check requirements
  • Inaccurate PharmaNet record keeping
  • Inadequate patient consultations
  • Non-compliance with OAT dispensing standards
  • Non-compliance with OAT delivery standards
  • Inadequate supervision of non-registrant staff
  • Breaches of Standards 6, 7, and 9 of the Code of Ethics relating to Benefiting Society, Personal and Professional Integrity, and Ethical Business Practices respectively

The Panel considered what interim measures would be sufficient and proportionate in this case. After having weighed the different options and circumstances of the case, and after considered the impact on the Registrant, the Panel concluded that limits and conditions on the Registrant’s practice were necessary to protect the public.

Student Pharmacist Registrant #1 (Mar 14, 2025)

The Inquiry Committee, pursuant to section 32.2(4)(b)(i) of the Health Professions Act, has reached an Agreement with the student pharmacist registrant to impose limits and conditions on their ability to engage in the provision of pharmacy services as a pharmacy student under the supervision of a Full Pharmacist, effective March 14, 2025. The Agreement remains in effect until further notice.

The Inquiry Committee considers the Agreement necessary to protect the public. The student pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to section 39.3(4) of the Health Professions Act.

Pharmacist Registrant 59 (Feb 25, 2025)

The Inquiry Committee has approved a change to the pharmacist’s registration back to Active status after they had previously been suspended for an indefinite period on January 15, 2025. The pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to s. 39.3(4) of the Health Professions Act.

January 15, 2025

The Inquiry Committee, pursuant to section 32.3(3)(b)(ii) of the Health Professions Act, has reached an Agreement with the pharmacist registrant to voluntarily suspend their registration as a pharmacist effective January 15, 2025. The Agreement remains in effect until further notice. The Inquiry Committee considers the Agreement necessary to protect the public. The pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to section 39.3(4)(a) of the Health Professions Act.

Pharmacist Registrant 46 (Feb 21, 2025)

Pharmacist Registrant 46 has satisfied all terms of a Consent Agreement reached with the Inquiry Committee on November 10, 2021. Limits and conditions on the pharmacist registrant’s registration as a pharmacist have now been removed by the Inquiry Committee. The pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to s. 39.3(4) of the Health Professions Act.

November 10, 2021
(February 21, 2025 - Limits and Conditions Removed)
 

The Inquiry Committee has changed the pharmacist registrant’s status to “Full Pharmacist – Active” which had previously been “Full Pharmacist – Suspended” for an indefinite period on November 20 2020. Pursuant to section 36(1) of the Health Professions Act, the Inquiry Committee has reached an Agreement with the pharmacist registrant whereby the registrant consented to terms that include, but not limited to, the following:

  • To comply with all treatment plans as recommended by their medical providers;
     
  • To comply with all terms of the Relapse Prevention Agreement for a duration of three years;
     
  • Ensuring that all managers and employers with whom they gain employment submit a written statement to the College declaring their awareness of their medical condition and the agreement;
    • To be restricted from acting in the following roles:
    • owner (direct or indirect) or manager of a pharmacy;
    • director of a corporation that owns a pharmacy; and
    • preceptor;
      ​
  • To authorize and direct any and all caregivers, treating physician(s), and/or institution(s) to furnish the College with a written report and any and all information that relates to their health, including a diagnosis, prognosis, status of recovery and/or treatment plan pertaining to their health condition and recovery, when and if necessary for the College to obtain such information;
     
  • To authorize the College to provide their treating physician(s) and any practitioner involved in their care with any information and documentation necessary for an independent medical assessment as well as monitoring and/or follow-up therapy, as necessary.

The Inquiry Committee considers the Agreement necessary to protect the public. The registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to section 39.3(4) of the Health Professions Act.

November 20, 2020
(November 10, 2021 - Suspension Ended)

The Inquiry Committee, pursuant to section 32.2(4)(b)(ii) of the Health Professions Act, has reached an Agreement with the pharmacist registrant to voluntarily suspend their registration as a pharmacist effective November 20, 2020. The Agreement remains in effect until further notice. The Inquiry Committee considers the Agreement necessary to protect the public. The pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to section 39.3(4)(a) of the Health Professions Act.

Pharmacist Registrant 30 (Feb 13, 2025)

The Inquiry Committee has approved to change the pharmacist’s registration back to Active status after they had previously been suspended for an indefinite period on March 14, 2024. Pursuant to section 36(1) of the Health Professions Act, the Inquiry Committee has reached an Agreement with the pharmacist registrant whereby the pharmacist registrant consented to terms including, but not limited to, the following:

  1. To comply with any and all treatment plans as recommended by their medical providers;
     
  2. To comply with any and all return to work plans as advised by their medical providers and/or employers;
     
  3. To voluntarily stop working as a pharmacist and self-report to the College in the event that their medical condition may hinder their performance and/or fitness to practice as a pharmacist;
     
  4. To authorize and direct any and all caregivers, treating physicians, and/or institution(s) to furnish the College with a written report and any and all information that relates to their health, including a diagnosis, prognosis, status of recovery and/or treatment plan pertaining to their health condition and recovery, when and if necessary for the College to obtain such information; and
     
  5. The College may furnish their treating physician(s) and any practitioner involved in their care with any information and documentation necessary for an independent medical assessment as well as monitoring and/or follow-up therapy, as necessary.
     
  6. As recommended by their physician, to be supervised by another pharmacist during their first fifty (50) shifts upon returning to work as a pharmacist.

The pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to section 39.3(4) and (6) of the Health Professions Act.

Montejo, Edgardo Maniago (Jan 9, 2025)
  1. Nature of Action: 

    The Inquiry Committee of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (the “College”) conducted an investigation into the practice of Edgardo Maniago Montejo (the “Registrant”), pursuant to section 33(4) of the Health Professions Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 183 (the “HPA”).

    The Inquiry Committee and the Registrant have agreed to resolve all matters arising from the investigation by way of a Consent Agreement under section 36(1) of the HPA.

  2. Effective date: January 9, 2025 

  3. Name of registrant: Edgardo Maniago Montejo

  4. Location of Practice: Nanaimo, BC

  5. Admissions and Acknowledgments:

    The Registrant has admitted and/or acknowledged the following:

    Between November 11, 2022 and February 2, 2023, and between February 10, 2023 and May 22, 2024, while he was the pharmacy manager of a pharmacy, he:

    1. Dispensed an estimated 552 doses of methadone to a patient without a valid prescription, contrary to section 19(6) of the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act, S.B.C. 2003, c.77 (“PODSA”) Bylaws and did not process the prescription transactions onto PharmaNet at the time of dispense, contrary to section 35(1) of the PODSA Bylaws;

    2. Did not complete a final check and clinical assessment of a prescription, contrary to sections 2, and 6(5) of the HPA Bylaws, Schedule F, Part 1 – Community Pharmacy Standards of Practice;

    3. Did not complete narcotic drug reconciliations in accordance with sections 2(a), 2(c), 2(d), 2(s), and 3(a) of Professional Practice Policy 65 – Narcotic Counts and Reconciliations and section 23.1(1) of the PODSA Bylaws;

    4. Prescribed and dispensed prescriptions to himself and prescribed a prescription for his child, contrary to section 2(e) of the HPA Bylaws, Schedule A – Code of Ethics Conflict of Interest Standards and Professional Practice Policy 31 – Emergency Supply for Continuity of Care;

    5. Did not record a self-declaration of completing the BC Pharmacy Association Opioid Agonist Treatment Compliance and Management Program for Pharmacy Training Program, contrary to Professional Practice Policy 66 – Opioid Agonist Treatment; and

    6. Did not complete the BC Community Pharmacy Manager Training Program within three years of his last completed training and declaration date, contrary to Professional Practice Policy 69 – Community Pharmacy Manager Education.

    Disposition:

    The Registrant entered into a Consent Agreement with the College’s Inquiry Committee, wherein the Registrant consented to the following terms:

    1. To thoroughly review and review legislation, standards, and policies relevant to the conduct to which this matter relates, and thereafter to submit a Declaration of Understanding to the College;

    2. To complete learning activities;

    3. To write a letter of apology addressed to the original prescriber of the patient;

    4. To receive a letter of reprimand;

    5. To successfully pass the College’s Jurisprudence Examination;

    6. To pay a $5,000.00 fine;

    7. To be suspended as a registrant of the College for a period of one-hundred-eighty (180) days from January 13 to July 12, 2025;

    8. To not act as a pharmacy manager or preceptor of pharmacy students and/or international pharmacy graduates for a period of three-hundred-sixty-five (365) days following the completion of his suspension;

    9. To not provide emergency prescription refills pursuant to Professional Practice Policy 31 – Emergency Supply for Continuity of Care in relation to narcotic, controlled, and targeted drug substances for a period of three-hundred-sixty-five (365) days, to commence following the completion of his suspension;

    10. To not dispense opioid agonist treatment for a period of three-hundred-sixty-five (365) days, to commence following the completion of his suspension;

    11. To complete and successfully pass an ethics course for healthcare professionals within 180 days of signing the Consent Agreement; and

    12. To appear before the Inquiry Committee for a verbal reprimand after completing the ethics course.
       

  6. Rationale:

    The Inquiry Committee determined that the Registrant’s conduct demonstrated an egregious breach of trust. The Registrant acted beyond his scope of practice and inappropriately prescribed and dispensed a narcotic with a high risk of harm for an estimated total of approximately 552 days.

    The Registrant’s admissions indicated he did not record these prescriptions to the patient’s PharmaNet record, nor did he complete adequate clinical assessments to ensure the safety and efficacy of methadone he dispensed to the patient, which ultimately created a significant risk of harm to the patient.

    He prescribed and dispensed drugs to himself and prescribed a drug for his child, which demonstrated a pattern of disregard for the legislation that regulates the profession of pharmacy.

    The Inquiry Committee therefore determined that the Registrant required serious remediation and deterrence regarding his conduct. After considering significant mitigating factors, the Inquiry Committee considered the terms of the Consent Agreement appropriate to protect the public, as well as send a clear message of deterrence to the profession.

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