Victorian health watchdog issues warning over alleged fake doctor

Victoria's health watchdog has issued a stark warning to the public regarding a Melbourne woman accused of impersonating a doctor and providing unapproved medical treatments. Assma Samadi is alleged to have charged a patient over $20,000 for treatments using unapproved medications for a chronic illness.

The state's Health Complaints Commissioner has placed an interim prohibition order on Ms Samadi, barring her from providing any health services in Victoria. This action stems from an investigation launched on August 5, with the Commissioner believing Ms Samadi may have contravened the code of conduct under the Health Complaints Act, posing a serious risk to public health and safety.

Commissioner Bernice Redley stated that Ms Samadi, an unregistered health practitioner, allegedly offered treatments and supplied medications for which she was not qualified. The Commissioner's office issued the public warning to prevent imminent and serious risks to individuals or the public.

Police charged Ms Samadi in July with steroid trafficking, possessing drugs, and common assault. A search of her property reportedly uncovered cocaine and significant quantities of prescription medicines, including testosterone, anabolic steroids, painkillers, and human growth hormone. She has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear in Moorabbin Magistrates Court on October 19.

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The Commissioner reasonably believes that Ms Samadi may have contravened the Code of Conduct as set out in Schedule 2 of the Health Complaints Act 2016, and that it is necessary to publish this warning statement to avoid an imminent and serious risk to the life, health, safety or welfare of a person or the public.