By: Tracie Carter
A Gloucester County pharmacist has had her license temporarily suspended and her pharmacy shut down following allegations that patients were placed at risk through unsafe practices, unsanitary conditions, and interference with their ability to transfer prescriptions to other pharmacies.
According to information released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Consumer Affairs, the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy temporarily suspended the license of Nittal K. Lodha, owner and operator of Woodbury Family Pharmacy in Woodbury, along with the pharmacy’s permit to operate.
State officials allege that Lodha repeatedly ignored patients’ requests to stop filling their prescriptions and transfer them to pharmacies of their choice.
Instead, investigators claim she continued filling prescriptions, sometimes using medications stored in unsanitary conditions, dispensing incorrect dosages, or providing medications in containers with broken safety seals or missing pills.
Authorities said those alleged actions disrupted patients’ access to needed medications, with some individuals reportedly forced to ration prescriptions or go without treatment altogether.
Investigators also allege the incidents resulted in adverse health effects, emotional distress, and worsening medical conditions for some patients.
State officials said the temporary suspension was ordered to protect the public while the allegations are investigated.
The Division of Consumer Affairs and the Board of Pharmacy maintain that licensed pharmacists are expected to provide safe, lawful, and reliable access to prescription medications and that those standards must be upheld.
The State sought the emergency suspension during a June 5 hearing before a Board of Pharmacy subcommittee, arguing that allowing Lodha and the pharmacy to continue operating while the case remains pending would present a clear and imminent danger to public health, safety, and welfare.
The subcommittee granted the temporary suspension, and the full Board ratified the decision on June 24.
Under the Board’s order, Lodha and Woodbury Family Pharmacy may seek limited reinstatement of their credentials while the case remains pending if they satisfy conditions outlined by the Board.
The investigation was conducted by investigators assigned to the Enforcement Bureau within the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.