The Chief of Staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has been charged with assault by Chatham-Kent police.
Dr. Pervez Faruqi was charged with assault on or about August 16, 2023 and assault -- choking, suffocating or strangling -- between January 1, 2023 and January 16, 2023.
The charges were laid on August 30, 2023 in Chatham, according to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Dr. Faruqi's bail conditions include notifying police of any change to his address, not communicating, directly or indirectly, with unidentified persons, and not going to a specified and unidentified address with specified exception.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
His area of specialization is Pediatrics.
Dr. Faruqi has been CKHA's Chief of Medical Staff since January 1, 2017.
CKHA told CK News Today the hospital recently became aware of the charges against Dr. Faruqi and the hospital is reviewing the matter.
"CKHA understands that the allegations are unrelated to Dr. Faruqi’s medical practice or duties at the hospital, and no finding has been made by any court," said CKHA in a statement when asked about his status at the hospital.
As Chief of Staff, Dr. Faruqi’s top priorities are to improve the quality of medical care and patient experience at CKHA.
CKHA said he brings significant leadership and professional experience to the role and a strong desire to support quality of care, improved patient experiences, and works with the administration to strengthen the organization.
Dr. Faruqi has been a consultant Paediatrician at CKHA since 2010 and he previously held the role of Chief of Paediatrics.
Since 2010, Dr. Faruqi has also been an Adjunct Professor of Paediatrics at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and education, including having been a lead preceptor and supervisor for both medical and nursing students, according to CKHA.