Northwestern Ontario pharmacist admits at college hearing that he sexually abused patient
A recent case in northwestern Ontario has shed light on the issue of sexual abuse in the healthcare industry. Ali Yehya, a pharmacist, was suspended from practising for a year and fined $10,000 after admitting to sexually abusing a patient. The Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) investigated allegations of sexual abuse by Yehya towards two patients while he was working as a pharmacist and designated pharmacy manager. The details of the allegations, including the names of the patients and the pharmacy involved, were redacted in the official documents.
Yehya’s admittance to the allegations related to Patient 1, where he engaged in inappropriate romantic and/or sexual behavior, including kissing, touching of a sexual nature, and making remarks of a romantic and sexual nature. As a result, Yehya faces a 12-month suspension of his license, must complete two courses, and pay the college $10,000 for the costs related to the hearing. He is also prohibited from acting as a designated manager at any pharmacy during this time.
The case also included allegations of harassment and/or sexual harassment towards Patient 2, but these were withdrawn by the OCP due to the inability to contact the individual. Despite the publication ban protecting the identity of the patients and the pharmacy, the seriousness of the allegations is clear.
Yehya, who was previously charged with sexual assault in Machin Township, was acquitted in a trial in July 2024. Following the failure of his pharmacy business in the Toronto area, Yehya experienced depression and struggled to find work as a relief pharmacist. He was previously investigated by the OCP in 2018 for not following appropriate pharmacy closure procedures.
In light of these events, Yehya has faced challenges in his professional and personal life, leading to legal battles and financial struggles. Despite his past experiences and legal issues, Yehya has pursued a civil suit against his landlords for wrongful termination of his pharmacy’s commercial lease.
Support is available for anyone affected by sexual assault, and there are resources available for those in need of help. Organizations like the Fay Peterson House in Thunder Bay, the Kenora Sexual Assault Centre, and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre offer crisis support and counseling services for survivors of sexual violence. Additionally, Ontario-wide resources like Beendigen Talk4Healing provide support for Indigenous women, and support services for male survivors of sexual abuse are also available.
It is important to address cases of sexual abuse in all industries, including healthcare, and to provide support and resources for those affected. By raising awareness and holding individuals accountable for their actions, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.
