New Zealand ophthalmologists disciplined for violating COVID-19 mandates

While Americans continue to debate the merits of COVID-19 vaccinations, other countries are much more restrictive, and seeing patients while unvaccinated can even land you in hot water in some nations.

In New Zealand, the Ministry of Health has issued infringement notices to two ophthalmologist for seeing patients while unvaccinated.

In a news release, the health ministry noted that Phil Macdonald, MD, was issued with the notices for breaching clause 7 of the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccination) Order 2021 in December 2021 and January 2022. Each infringement notice has a fine of $4,000 (New Zealand).

Macdonald practices at Napier Eye Ltd in Napier, New Zealand, according to the clinic’s website.

Health practitioners, including medical doctors, can only offer in-person health services if they are vaccinated for COVID-19 in accordance with the order, according to the ministry.

The Ministry of Health has also issued two infringement notices to Deepak Gupta, MD, a Dunedin ophthalmologist. This is in addition to a notice issued in February this year.

According to a report by the Otago Daily Times, Gupta had worked in the ophthalmology department at Dunedin Hospital when it was found that he treated patients in violation of the country’s COVID-19 orders.

According to the publication, Gupta opposes vaccination mandates.

Both doctors have deregistered with the New Zealand Medical Council, which means that they are no longer able to practice as medical practitioners in New Zealand, according to the health ministry.

In the United States, 65 percent of Americans are fully vaccinated, according to data from the Mayo Clinic. New Zealand’s Ministry of Health reports 96% of its population was fully vaccinated by March 25.