The former head of ophthalmology at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is speaking out amid allegations that he "inappropriately" billed the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) is currently conducting an investigation into “information regarding Dr. Christopher Anjema’s standard of practice." The allegations follow a report in the Toronto Star that revealed Anjema billed roughly $4.1 million to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan in 2017-2018 and roughly $31 million since 2011.
On Thursday, the doctor took to social media to speak publically about the ongoing investigation.
"Ever since I became a doctor, I have been passionate about one thing: providing the thousands of patients I am honoured to serve with quality eye care and vision-saving treatment to the very best of my ability, using the most advanced technology," said Anjema, through his institute's Facebook page. "I am writing now to say how grateful we all are for the many generous expressions of support which we have received, and to offer my personal appreciation for the community’s continued confidence."
A hearing process for the cases against Anjema is in the works. A date or time, however, has not been confirmed by the college of physicians and surgeons. In the statement, Anjema said some questions are yet to be answered and he is "confident" that findings will result in an evidence-based outcome in the interest of patients.
"As you might imagine, I am itching to say much more — and I wish I could say it right now — but I respect and must abide by my profession’s process which I fully support and in which I am fully engaged," said Anjema. "We at the Eye Institute are proud to continue providing our services here in the Chatham-Kent-Lambton area, where I decided to build my practice after I became an ophthalmologist."
The hearing will take place at the college's headquarters in Toronto. If a guilty verdict is determined by the college, Anjema could face a fine of no more than $35,000 in addition to having his license suspended with certain conditions, or revoked.