In a stunning breach of medical ethics that has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community, an NHS doctor has been struck off after being exposed selling powerful prescription medications directly from a high-street pharmacy.
Dr. Muhammad Imran Sajid, a previously respected General Practitioner, was secretly filmed providing an undercover Daily Mail reporter with a cocktail of controlled drugs, including highly addictive opioids and antidepressants, from behind the counter of a Boots branch in South London.
The Sting Operation
The investigation was launched after tip-offs regarding Dr. Sajid's illicit activities. An undercover reporter, posing as a patient, approached the doctor and received a concerning consultation right there in the pharmacy.
Without any legitimate medical assessment or follow-up, Dr. Sajid agreed to supply the following medications for cash:
- Diazepam (Valium) - A potent benzodiazepine tranquilliser.
- Zopiclone - A strong sleeping pill.
- Amitriptyline - An antidepressant also used for nerve pain.
- Co-codamol - A compound painkiller containing codeine, an opioid.
A Gross Betrayal of Trust
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) heard how Dr. Sajid's actions were a "complete abdication of his professional responsibilities." He not only prescribed without any clinical justification but also failed to keep any patient records, a fundamental requirement for any medical professional.
His defence, that he was under personal and financial pressure, was dismissed by the tribunal, which stated his conduct was "fundamentally incompatible with being a doctor."
Broader Implications for the NHS
This scandal raises serious questions about oversight within the system. While the General Medical Council (GMC) acted decisively in striking him off, the case highlights how a trusted GP could operate a dangerous, illegal drug operation in plain sight.
Healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups have expressed alarm, emphasising the critical importance of robust safeguards to prevent such a gross violation of trust from happening again. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the need for constant vigilance.
