Regina doctor ordered to retrain after prescribing ivermectin for COVID

A Regina family doctor must complete retraining or face suspension after prescribing ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug, to treat COVID-19. 

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan ruled Dr. Tshipita Kabongo’s practice falls below medical standards. 

"There is a concern not only for substandard family practice care, but also potentially unsafe care due to unclear clinical decision-making," wrote the hearing committee.

"While Dr. Kabongo does appear to be relatively knowledgeable with background medical knowledge, there was frequently poor translation of this knowledge into practice — an absolutely critical skill necessary for any physician."

A December 16, competency hearing found Kabongo lacks “adequate skill and knowledge” to safely practice. 

The committee ordered him to enroll in a retraining program by June 1 or face suspension. 

He must prove improved competency by December 1, or risk losing his licence. 

Failure to pay $10,985 in hearing costs by December 2025 could also trigger suspension.  

This follows March 2023 charges for prescribing ivermectin as COVID-19 prevention or treatment. 

Medical records showed poor documentation of these prescriptions during his time at Regina’s Integrated Wellness and Health Balance Centre from 2020–2022.  

Ivermectin, used safely for parasites like river blindness in humans, is primarily a livestock dewormer. 

During the pandemic, ivermectin was touted as a COVID-19 remedy, sparking health warnings. 

The college also flagged Kabongo’s mismanagement of a patient’s fatal neurological disease, including inappropriate prescriptions for cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, and ivermectin. 

In June 2024, he was suspended for one month, ordered to work under supervision, and fined $44,783.72. 

The case underscores ongoing scrutiny of COVID-19 treatments.