A top official at Chatham-Kent’s hospital is facing serious charges following a pair of incidents that took place last year.
Dr. Pervez Faruqi, the chief of staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, has been charged with one count of assault and one count of assault involving choking, suffocating or strangling.
According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the charges were filed against Dr. Faruqi on August 30, 2023, following incidents that took place between January 1-16, 2023 and on or about August 16, 2023.
The charges have not been proven in court and no further details have been released regarding either incident.
In a statement to CKXS News, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance said it was only recently made aware of the charges.
“CKHA understands that the allegations are unrelated to Dr. Faruqi’s medical practice or duties at the hospital, and no finding has been made by any court,” said Fannie Vavoulis, director of communications and patient experience, in an emailed statement. “The hospital is reviewing the matter.”
According to CKHA, Dr. Faruqi’s top priorities as chief of staff are to improve the quality of medical care and patient experience at the hospital.
As Chief of Staff, Dr. Faruqi’s top priorities are to improve the quality of medical care and patient experience at CKHA. He has been a consultant Paediatrician at CKHA since 2010 and previously held the role of Chief of Paediatrics. Prior to that, he practiced medicine in the United States for seven years and in Nova Scotia for five years.