Bassano pharmacist permanently stripped of licence after sexual abuse ruling upheld

Jul 14, 2026 | 10:16 AM

A Bassano pharmacist has been permanently barred from practising after the Court of Appeal of Alberta upheld disciplinary findings that he sexually abused and sexually misconducted patients who also worked for him at his pharmacy.

The Alberta College of Pharmacy said Ankit Parikh’s practice permit and registration have been permanently cancelled, meaning he can no longer practise as a pharmacist or apply for reinstatement.

A hearing tribunal found Parikh guilty of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct involving patients who were also employees at the pharmacy.

It also found he repeatedly consumed alcohol on the pharmacy premises, including while the pharmacy was open and he was the pharmacist in charge.

The tribunal’s 2024 decision was upheld by an Alberta College of Pharmacy appeal panel before the Court of Appeal dismissed Parikh’s final appeal on June 23.

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The court reduced the amount of costs Parikh was ordered to pay, but otherwise upheld the sanctions.

In a statement, Alberta College of Pharmacy registrar and CEO Brad Willsey said the court’s decision reinforces the regulator’s mandate to protect the public by holding pharmacists accountable for their conduct.

The hearing tribunal said there was a significant power imbalance between Parikh and one of the complainants because she depended on him for both her employment and pharmacy services for herself and her family in the small community.

The tribunal found she felt she had no choice but to engage in the sexual activity if she wanted to keep her job and maintain access to pharmacy services.

Along with the permanent cancellation of his registration, Parikh was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $73,387 toward the costs of the investigation, hearing and appeals.

The college said his practice permit had already been suspended on April 6, 2020, and he has not practised since then.

by Jett Schwaier

Bassano pharmacist permanently stripped of licence after sexual abuse ruling upheld

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