Net used to sell medicine overseas

A disciplinary hearing has heard how an Auckland pharmacist used the internet to sell medicines to people overseas without prescriptions.

Ministry of Health witness Marie Scott told a Pharmaceutical Society disciplinary panel in Wellington that Kerry Donald Bell sold large quantities of drugs.

During some of last year, 11.4 per cent of all of New Zealand's Viagra sales, 24 per cent of its Propecia sales and 31.9 per cent of its Xenical sales went through his Kingsland Pharmacy. Viagra treats male impotence, Propecia male hair regrowth and Xenical obesity.

Ms Scott said Mr Bell's pharmacy was linked to four internet sites.

Mr Bell faced three charges of professional misconduct at last week's hearing.

Ministry witness Stewart Jessamine said the orders showed one person buying 20 boxes of Xenical, and 24 more a week later.

Other drugs had been banned by the International Olympic Committee. Female hormones were also sent to men.

Mr Bell's QC, Raynor Asher, said his client could not have breached professional standards because what he was doing had been legal. The law, until it was changed, had allowed anyone to send medicines to people overseas without prescriptions.

The disciplinary panel reserved its decision.

- NZPA