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A man who acted as an "anti-ageing" doctor on Auckland's North Shore for six months despite having no medical qualifications has been sentenced to 12 months home detention.
Shane Jason Cleary also had medicines valued between $60,000 and $70,000 seized after admitting 17 charges under four Acts of Parliament, the Ministry of Health said in a statement.
Derek Fitzgerald, compliance team leader of the Health Ministry's Medsafe agency, said Cleary had no medical qualifications but carried out many functions of a registered medical practitioner when operating the Transitions Clinic on the North Shore.
The clinic said it provided "anti-ageing and rejuvenation" services such as testosterone therapy, growth hormone therapy, sexual dysfunction therapy, libido enhancement and fat loss treatment, Mr Fitzgerald said.
The services Cleary illegally provided included consultations with patients, making clinical notes, requesting blood tests and assessing their results, prescribing medicines, purchasing medicines by wholesale and selling patients imported unapproved and prescription medicines.
"Cleary put patients' health at risk by providing them with potent steroid and sex hormones, controlled drugs and other medicines with potentially serious effects without the benefit of qualified clinical advice and intervention," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"All medicines, but particularly prescription medicines, carry risks and these must be carefully weighed against the benefits for each patient's circumstances.
"Cleary also supplied patients with medicines that had not been approved for use in New Zealand through the process that ensures they meet international quality, safety and efficacy requirements."
The charges Cleary admitted were under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act, the Medicines Act, the Misuse of Drugs Act and the Crimes Act.
"The sentence sends a strong warning that anyone fraudulently practicing as a medical practitioner and illegally dealing in medicines will be dealt with," Mr Fitzgerald said.
- NZPA
