The Nova Scotia College of Physicians and Surgeons suspended the license of one of its members following a report from pharmacists in British Columbia.

The professional body believes that Dr. David Davidson issued 17,000 prescriptions within three months for the drug Semaglutide, which is the generic name for Ozempic and Wegovy.

Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It has become particularly popular for weight loss assistance.

According to the College, Dr. David Davidson issued 3,860 of these prescriptions in December 2022, then 5,800 in January 2023, and 7,500 last February.

The College believes that the majority of these prescriptions were issued to patients in the United States and presented to pharmacies in British Columbia to obtain the medication.

Dr. Davidson practiced medicine in Nova Scotia for several years, but he is believed to now be located in the U.S. state of Texas.

Also, according to Dr. Jos Grant, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia College of Physicians and Surgeons, "It is easy to conclude that Dr. David Davidson does not meet professional standards, simply by observing the number of prescriptions he issued."

In an email message, he added: "I cannot see how the quantity of prescribed drugs can be justified at first glance. It seems to be a matter of incompetence."

For its part, the College responded promptly after being notified by the British Columbia Pharmacists Association on Wednesday of this week where it clarified in a message "serious doubts about Dr. Davidson’s prescriptions."

In late March, the British Columbia Ministry of Health said it wants to change the law to restrict the sale or delivery of Ozempic to non-residents of Canada.

The matter worried health officials in the province as the drug’s popularity among people wanting to lose weight caused a drug shortage in Canada and jeopardized the lives of people with diabetes who desperately need it.