The punishment a Christchurch pharmacist received for accusing other pharmacies of price gouging is "completely draconian", Consumer NZ says.
Ann Tiller was this week found guilty on one charge of professional misconduct for inappropriate communication for allowing the publication of a media release that said mark-ups on pharmacy products made medicine unaffordable for some people.
At a Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal hearing in Christchurch, the professional conduct committee (PCC) said the media release had the potential to impair the public's confidence in the pharmacy profession. Tiller was ordered to pay $7000 in costs and must send a formal apology to media outlets.
Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin described the punishment as "completely draconian".
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