Timaru doctor suspended for professional misconduct and ivermectin importation
Wednesday 7 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Medsafe, Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal
Dr Tracy Anne Chandler has been suspended for three months following findings of professional misconduct. The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal found the Timaru GP attempted to bulk-import 2000 unapproved ivermectin tablets and sent unprofessional emails threatening health officials with international court trials.
Key facts
5 facts
- Dr Tracy Anne Chandler suspended for three months
- Nine allegations of professional misconduct found by the Tribunal
- Fine of $5,000 and costs of $122,384 ordered
- Attempted importation of 2000 unapproved ivermectin tablets from India
- Three years of practice conditions including no sole-charge practice
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Dr Tracy Anne Chandler, a general practitioner in Timaru, has been suspended from medical practice for three months. The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal found her guilty of professional misconduct involving nine allegations related to her conduct between August 2021 and August 2022.
Chandler attempted to bulk-import 2000 unapproved 12mg ivermectin tablets from India. She told Medsafe she required the tablets to treat "an epidemic of patients with parasites unresponsive to usual treatment". When officials intercepted the shipment, Chandler sent abusive emails accusing staff of fraud and "crimes against humanity". She further threatened officials with charges of "premeditated murder" and stated they would face "Nuremberg part two" in court.
The Tribunal also identified clinical failures, including prescribing ivermectin for off-label Covid-19 use without conducting basic assessments or obtaining informed consent. In one case, Chandler prescribed 100 tablets knowing they were also intended for family members who were not her patients. Additionally, she provided negligent care to an elderly patient by ordering an unindicated blood test without a direct assessment or communication with the patient's primary doctor.
In September 2021, Chandler emailed media executive Vicki McLean with claims that Covid-19 vaccines had a "much higher fatality rate" than the virus. She compared vaccine restrictions to the "segregation and then murder of the Jews". The Tribunal fined Chandler $5,000 and ordered her to pay $122,384 in costs. Upon returning to practice, she must follow strict conditions for three years, including a prohibition on sole-charge practice.
Where reports differ
- One report notes Chandler is the founder of the Chandler Clinic and Dr Wellness, while another does not mention these businesses
Compiled from reports by Stuff and The Press.
