WALTHAM ABBEY: GP struck off after prescribing slimming pills for cash (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAM ABBEY: GP struck off after prescribing slimming pills for cash

12:44pm Saturday 12th December 2009 in

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A DOCTOR who admitted prescribing slimming pills to patients in return for cash has been struck off, according to reports.

Dr Bharat Berry - who used to practice at the NHS surgery, in Maynard Court, Waltham Abbey - faced multiple counts of misconduct, including one of prescribing the class C controlled drugs Phentermine and Diethylpropion for money.

He was accused of charging more than 20 patients for the drugs without checking their medical records, or offering advice despite knowing the medicine could induce dependency and produce side-effects.

Dr Berry was struck off by the General Medical Council yesterday (Friday) after being found guilty of misconduct, according to a report in the Evening Standard newspaper.

He worked as a GP at the Waltham Abbey practice between 1996 and 2006.

Dr Berry admitted his conduct was inappropriate, but denied it was irresponsible, and not in the best interests of patients.