Murupara GP Weary Ahead of Medical Tribunal Hearing Next Week

After nearly a five year wait, long serving Murupara GP Dr Bernard Conlon will face the New Zealand Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal in Rotorua next week.

Complaints made against Conlon in 2021 led to his suspension for four months in 2022. 

Conlon said he "did not join in with the Unite COVID-19 fervor of the time," and was "an outspoken critic of the mandatory vaccination process."

"I make no excuses for that decision. But unfortunately, that kind of got me in the crosshairs of the Medical Council," he said. 

The upcoming hearing will dictate if Conlon will retain his practicing certificate. 

Conlon hopes this trial will put Covid-19 behind him. 

"I'm actually weary of the process. I want it done and behind me," he said, but is still facing the trial with a positive attitude. 

Conlon will face a number of complaints, including those about his stance on Covid-19 vaccine mandates. 

One complaint was put forward by Medsafe. 

In 2021 Conlon imported Ivermectin (a drug used for scabies and parasites) from India to test the product and then "provide it free to my high-risk patients if need be."

The World Health Organisation, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and Medsafe advised Ivermectin was not a suitable prevention or treatment of Covid-19. 

In 2021, one product containing the active ingredient Ivermectin had been approved in New Zealand in 2021. 

The Ivermectin was seized by customs, and Conlon took Medsafe to court to challenge the confiscation - a case he lost. 

""The act of putting in the challenge then activated a tripwire and Medsafe put in a complaint against me to the Medical Council, stating that my actions were unprofessional."

Another complaint was made against him by a junior colleague at the Murupara practice.

Conlon did not outline the nature of the allegations. 

Having worked in Murupara for 35 years, "my patients have become more my friends," Conlon said. 

Many of them have shown support for Conlon ahead of the trial, which he said is humbling. 

"They've been very active in trying to not only support me, but also protect me." 

During his absence in 2022, a "major wave of COVID hit Murupara," which hit the practice and patients hard. 

Conlon said the practice was left with one GP, his wife Dr Britta Noske.

She had to manage nearly 4,000 patients "so it was basically a train wreck in slow motion." 

Many are now apprehensive about the decision the Tribunal will reach.

"I think that they're running scared again, that they may experience something similar going forward.," he said. 

The trial at Arawa Park Hotel in Rotorua will begin at 9am on Monday. 

The trial is expected to run until March 20. 

Conlon will be supported by his wife, so cover has been organised for the clinic to remain open during the trial period.