Victoria’s health watchdog has issued a warning about a Melbourne woman accused of pretending to be a doctor and charging $20,000 to use unapproved medicines to treat a man with a chronic illness.
The state’s Health Complaints Commissioner has issued an interim prohibition order against Assma (Sarah) Samadi, banning her from providing any health service in Victoria, alleging she may have contravened the code of conduct under the Health Complaints Act.
The Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner also made a public warning about the case, after an investigation was launched on August 5.
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Commissioner Bernice Redley said it was alleged that Ms Samadi, an unregistered health practitioner, offered treatment to an individual she was not qualified to provide and unlawfully supplied unapproved medications to treat a chronic illness.
It’s alleged Ms Samadi charged more than $20,000 for the treatments and represented herself as a medical practitioner, the commissioner said.
“The Commissioner reasonably believes that Ms Samadi may have contravened the Code of Conduct as set out in Schedule 2 of the Health Complaints Act 2016, and that it is necessary to publish this warning statement to avoid an imminent and serious risk to the life, health, safety or welfare of a person or the public,” a statement from Ms Redley said.
“Members of the public are encouraged not to engage with Ms Samadi in relation to the provision of any general health service.”
The interim prohibition order against Ms Samadi will also remain in place.
The Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner has issued an official warning after a woman allegedly provided unapproved medication to a man. (Health Complaints Comissioner)
The health watchdog urged anyone with concerns about the matter to contact the Health Complaints Commissioner on 1300 582 113 or online.
Police charged Ms Samadi last month with trafficking steroids, possessing drugs and common assault in Melbourne’s Bayside.
After executing two search warrants, police allege they found a stash of cocaine and significant quantities of prescription medicines including testosterone, synthetic anabolic steroids, painkillers and human growth hormone.
She was granted bail and is set to appear in Moorabbin Magistrates Court on October 19.
Police also arrested a 39-year-old man from Brighton East and he was also charged for the same offences, including two counts of trafficking steroids along with possessing cocaine, a drug of dependence and a schedule 4 poison.
He was granted bail to appear in court on the same date.
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