PHARMACY Council President Algernon Roberts is warning about criminal risks linked to prescription fraud. Specifically, he said pharmacists must report patients who seek prescriptions from multiple doctors.

Roberts made the statement following concerns about doctor and pharmacy hopping. He explained that antibiotic misuse differs from narcotic abuse.

In contrast, controlled drugs require stricter action and greater vigilance.

“Once a pharmacist sees a patient shopping around, they must report it,” Roberts said. He added that such behavior may signal addiction or illegal resale of drugs.

Roberts explained that pharmacists should alert doctors when they suspect antibiotic misuse. In addition, they should refer the matter to the Pharmacy Council for review.

However, he said narcotic cases demand stronger action. Pharmacists must report repeated requests for controlled drugs to authorities.

He described a common pattern. For example, a patient may receive a 14-day supply, then return days later with a new prescription.

If this continues, it creates clear grounds for reporting.

Roberts warned that pharmacists who fail to act may face ethical consequences. Meanwhile, those who assist in fraud risk serious legal penalties.

“They could face fines or even prison,” he said. Therefore, pharmacists must follow strict rules.

He noted that the Pharmacy Council often begins investigations. After that, police may step in if needed.

Authorities may file charges under the Pharmacy Act or other laws. As a result, offenders could face prosecution.

Roberts also highlighted routine audits of drug registers. These checks can detect suspicious patterns across pharmacies.

He recalled finding one patient’s name in several registers within days. Consequently, the case was reported and stopped.

Roberts confirmed that past cases have involved police investigations. However, some did not proceed beyond that stage.

Overall, he stressed that once doctors and pharmacists share information, prescription hopping becomes difficult. Therefore, reporting remains key to protecting public health.