Section 9: Dangerous Drugs Tribunal

9. Dangerous Drugs Tribunal (1) Where the Permanent Secretary has reason to suspect that an authorised person is supplying to or prescribing for any person a dangerous drug otherwise than is properly required or in excess of the amount that is properly required for the medical or dental treatment of that person or the veterinary treatment of an animal, he may, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, refer the matter for inquiry to an ad hoc Dangerous Drugs Tribunal. (2) The Tribunal referred to in subsection (1) shall consist of a Chairperson who shall be a barrister at law and— (a) 3 medical practitioners, where the authorised person is a medical practitioner; (b) 3 dental surgeons, where the authorised person is a dental surgeon; (c) 3 veterinary surgeons, where the authorised person is a veterinary surgeon; or (d) 3 pharmacists, where the authorised person is a pharmacist. (3) The members of the Tribunal shall be appointed by the Minister on such terms and conditions as he thinks fit. D2 – 7 [Issue 1] Dangerous Drugs Act (4) The Tribunal shall have all the powers of the Supreme Court to summon and examine witnesses on oath and to order the production of documents or other articles in evidence. (5) The Tribunal, having considered any matter referred to it under subsection (1), shall make its recommendation to the Minister. (6) The Minister may, on the recommendation of the Tribunal— (a) withdraw the authority of the authorised person to supply, procure or be in possession of any dangerous drugs; and (b) direct that no prescription containing a dangerous drug shall be issued by that authorised person. (7) Notice of any withdrawal of authority or direction under subsection (6) shall be published in the Gazette.