Nine pharmacists on trial for controlling drug prices (From Times Series)

Nine pharmacists on trial for controlling drug prices

10:12am Sunday 7th May 2006

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A Purley pharmacist is among nine accused of defrauding the NHS of millions of pounds by inflating drug prices, a court heard last week.

Dr Ajit Patel, 46, of Silver Lane, is one of nine pharmacists who appeared at Southwark Crown Court last Thursday.

Some of the individuals allegedly colluded to keep the cost of commonly-prescribed antibiotics at the same high level to reap the profits over a three-year period. They were said to have boosted the price of blood thinners and restricted their sale so they could corner the market for themselves.

The pharmacists directors or executives of five leading drug companies were charged after an investigation by the serious fraud office.

Goldshield Group PLC, of Bensham Lane, Thornton Heath, is one of five drug companies allegedly involved in the conspiracy to defraud the Secretary of State for Health and others engaged in the provision of medicinal products by dishonestly fixing and maintaining the price and manipulating the supply of warfarin and marevan to NHS hospitals and wholesale and retail suppliers between November 1, 1996, and October 31, 1999.

Judge Timothy Workman granted all nine defendants unconditional bail to appear at Southwark Crown Court on May 11. They all deny the charges.

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