The council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland cancelled the registration of Michael Gallagher
The PSI’s Professional Conduct Committee found three allegations proven, based on admissions made by Mr Gallagher
A Co Waterford pharmacist has been struck off the professional register after being found guilty of professional misconduct over his failure to account for more than 98,000 units of medication, including controlled drugs.
The council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland cancelled the registration of Michael Gallagher, owner of Gallagher’s Pharmacy, Barronstrand Street, Waterford following a fitness-to-practise inquiry last year.
The PSI’s Professional Conduct Committee found three allegations proven, based on admissions made by Mr Gallagher.
These included permitting large quantities of medicines to go unaccounted for between January 1, 2017 and July 24, 2019, allowing unauthorised individuals access to restricted areas of the pharmacy, and failing to ensure that medications were stored securely.
The inquiry heard that 98,082 units of medication—amounting to nearly 2,500 boxed items—could not be properly accounted for.
The discrepancies emerged during a series of unannounced inspections carried out by PSI authorised officers between July 2017 and January 2019, focusing on stock control and the handling of controlled drugs.
Counsel for the PSI, Caoimhe Daly BL, described the pharmacist’s actions as “infamous and disgraceful,” arguing they represented a serious breach of the Code of Conduct for Pharmacists. She said the scale and duration of the discrepancies pointed to a “flagrant disregard” for the fundamental responsibilities of the profession.
Inspectors also raised concerns about the presence of unidentified individuals in and around the dispensary area, which is subject to strict legal controls.
Ms Daly said Mr Gallagher had allowed access to these areas despite knowing it was inappropriate and contrary to legislative requirements.
Shane McGlynn, a PSI authorised officer who carried out two of the inspections, told the inquiry he had never encountered such a large volume of unaccounted medicines in almost a decade of work.
The inquiry also heard from pharmacists employed at the premises, one of whom described being “shocked” by the discrepancies, while another noted that Mr Gallagher had placed bulk orders with suppliers.
Expert witness Ronan Quirke said the breadth of missing medications was “shocking” and indicative of a pattern of practice. He highlighted that many of the drugs involved were controlled substances, which carry risks of addiction and have potential street value.
Mr Gallagher’s solicitor, Michael Lanigan, said his client had practised for almost 44 years with an otherwise unblemished record.
Mr Lanigan emphasised that two other pharmacists working in the business were not implicated and described them as professionals of integrity.
The inquiry also heard that Mr Gallagher had cooperated with the investigation, expressed shock at the findings, and apologised. He had been attempting to sell his business and withdraw from practice.
The chairperson of the inquiry, Mark Kane, acknowledged these mitigating factors but said the committee concluded that they did not outweigh the seriousness of the misconduct.
Mr Kane described the scale of missing medicines as “unprecedented” and said Mr Gallagher had demonstrated only “limited insight” into the issues.
The committee determined that no conditions or suspension would be sufficient, citing a lack of explanation for how the discrepancies occurred and concerns about public safety.
Mr Kane said the nature and extent of the findings against Mr Gallagher were “incompatible with the registrant continuing to practise as a registered pharmacist.”
The cancellation of Mr Gallagher’s registration was subsequently confirmed by the High Court earlier this year.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.