GP Struck Off for Spreading Covid Misinformation and Anti-Mask Claims

Dr. Sam White, a former GP, was struck off the medical register after being found guilty of serious professional misconduct for spreading dangerous misinformation about COVID-19. His claims included that the pandemic was orchestrated by pharmaceutical companies and tech tycoons, and he referred to the vaccines as a 'heinous crime.' The investigation began following a video he posted in June 2021, where he announced his resignation and criticized the NHS and government response to the pandemic. During the tribunal, it was revealed that White exploited his medical credentials to promote baseless conspiracy theories, asserting that the pandemic was part of a global conspiracy involving figures like Bill Gates and Elon Musk. His statements were deemed to have the potential to confuse and destabilize the public, particularly during a time when reliable information was crucial. Initially, restrictions were placed on his practice due to concerns for patient safety, but he successfully challenged these restrictions in court, citing his right to freedom of expression. However, the tribunal ultimately concluded that his views were not legitimate expressions of opinion but rather harmful misinformation that could adversely affect public health. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service emphasized that White's assertions did not align with widely accepted medical opinions and that his actions could have a detrimental impact on vulnerable individuals seeking trustworthy information during the pandemic. Consequently, his removal from the medical register was seen as a necessary step to protect public health and maintain the integrity of the medical profession.