Victorian health watchdog issues warning over alleged fake doctor

Victoria’s Health Complaints Commissioner has issued an interim prohibition order against Melbourne woman Assma (Sarah) Samadi, accused of posing as a doctor and charging $20,000 to treat a man with a chronic illness using medicines not approved for that purpose. The watchdog says Samadi is an unregistered health practitioner and alleges she offered treatment beyond her qualifications and supplied unapproved medications after an investigation launched on August 5. Commissioner Bernice Redley said the order is meant to prevent an imminent and serious risk to life, health, safety or welfare, and published a public warning urging the public not to engage with Samadi for any general health service. Police charged her in July with trafficking steroids, possessing drugs and common assault in Melbourne’s Bayside. After two search warrants, police allege they found cocaine and prescription drugs, including testosterone, synthetic anabolic steroids, painkillers and human growth hormone. Bail was granted and she is due in Moorabbin Magistrates Court on October 19.