Sask. doctor who prescribed ivermectin has his license revoked

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Regina Doctor Tshipita Kabongo has admitted unprofessional conduct in connection with two charges brought against him by the Saskatchewan Medical Board.

This is what Bryan Salte, deputy registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS), says.

Kabongo was charged in March 2023 with failure to know and/or follow the CPSS guidelines on complementary and alternative therapies when prescribing the antiparasitic drug ivermectin to treat COVID-19.

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In addition, he faced four additional professional charges in March 2024. Three of these related to his work with certain patients and accused him of “failing to comply with standards of professional conduct,” while the fourth charge related to billing for his services.

The 2024 indictment also included inappropriate prescription of ivermectin, as well as cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, vitamin B12 and dietary supplements.

The allegations raised by this control body are not criminal charges, but allegations of conduct that does not comply with the rules applicable to members.

Salte said by email that a hearing into Kabongo’s affairs was held in June and that a penalty was imposed on him.

Regarding the punishment, the CPSS Council decided that Kabongo should receive a written warning.

In addition, his driving license will be revoked for one month from August 1, 2024.

He may only practice his profession under the supervision of a “doctor recognized by the Registrar and suitably qualified”.

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“The duty of supervision will remain in place until the Registrar concludes that Dr Kabongo no longer needs to practice under supervision,” the council’s decision states.

The supervisor must submit reports to the CPSS on the status of Kabongo’s practice.

Kabongo must also pay costs associated with the investigation and hearing amounting to US$44,783.72, payable in 24 equal instalments starting August 1.

If he fails to pay these costs on time, his driving license will be revoked until full payment is made.

The CPSS’s latest disciplinary decision is not the first that the supervisory body has taken regarding Kabongo.

In March 2016, he admitted to unprofessional conduct by overbilling the Saskatchewan health system.

He was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $11,425.82 in investigation and hearing costs, attend an ethics program and a record-keeping course, and pay $119,867.06 in restitution for improper billing.

— with files from Pam Cowan

[email protected]

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