Until an employee that the doctor had fired came forward to reveal it

A shocking story has unfolded in Santa Clara County. Dr. Arash Malian Padidar, once a trusted doctor, is now accused of fraud for writing illegal prescriptions. This case has people asking an important question: Is it illegal to share prescription drugs?

The Whistle-Blower

The truth came out when someone spoke up. A former employee, known as M.G.C., decided to tell the police what was happening:

The offenses were discovered when M.G.C. contacted San Jose Police Detective Tony Vera and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) one to two months after she was fired by Padidar on 7/25/2019.

This brave act uncovered a scheme that had been going on for years.

The Doctor’s Double Life

Dr. Padidar wasn’t just any doctor. He founded Minimally Invasive Surgical Solutions and graduated from the Chicago Medical School. People trusted him. But behind closed doors, something else was happening.

What Was Happening?

Court papers say Dr. Padidar was writing fake prescriptions for a strong painkiller called hydrocodone. He wrote them for different people, claiming they were for his father. In one case:

Between March 21, 2019, and March 16, 2020, Padidar wrote 11 prescriptions for a single unnamed individual, each for a staggering 100 tablets of hydrocodone. These prescriptions were then filled at different pharmacies, likely in an attempt to avoid detection.

He even used another doctor’s name to write prescriptions for himself and his family.

People Felt Uneasy About Illegal Prescriptions

Some people involved started to feel uncomfortable. One person wrote in an email:

For the future, please, I would like not to have my name on the prescription. I don’t mind picking it up when it’s needed, but since it’s a controlled medication, I prefer not to have (sic) under my name.

This shows that people knew something wasn’t right, but they didn’t know what to do.

The Bigger Picture: America’s Painkiller Problem

Dr. Padidar’s case is part of a bigger problem in America. Many people are getting addicted to painkillers, and it’s causing a lot of harm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• In 2022, 107,941 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S.
• 73,838 of these deaths involved drugs like fentanyl.
• Deaths from opioids went up from 49,860 in 2019 to 81,806 in 2022.

Each number is a person who died, leaving behind family and friends who miss them.

What Happens Now?

Dr. Padidar was arrested on August 11, 2023. His case makes us think about some important questions:

1. How can we make sure doctors are not writing illegal prescriptions?
2. How can we help people who are addicted to painkillers?
3. What can we do to stop this from happening again?

Breaking Update: Community Response

As news of Dr. Padidar’s arrest spreads, the Santa Clara medical community is rallying. Local health organizations are hosting emergency meetings to address the crisis. Dr. Sarah Chen, Chief of Medicine at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, announced:

We’re launching a county-wide prescription review program. Every doctor’s prescribing habits will be thoroughly examined. We owe it to our patients to ensure this never happens again.

Meanwhile, addiction support groups report a surge in attendance. John Doe, in recovery from substance abuse, shared:

This case is a wake-up call. It shows that addiction can start right in the doctor’s office. We need to talk about this more openly.

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors is set to vote next week on increased funding for opioid education and treatment programs. Board President Mike Wasserman stated:

This isn’t just a medical issue; it’s a community issue. We’re committed to healing our county, supporting those affected, and preventing future tragedies.

As this story unfolds, it is clear that its effects will reach beyond the courtroom. It is starting important discussions about trust, accountability, and the difficult issues of managing pain in today’s medicine.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow this developing story.

Is It Illegal to Share Prescription Drugs?

Many people in the community are asking if sharing prescription drugs is illegal. The answer is yes, and there can be serious consequences.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), sharing prescription drugs is a federal crime. This includes:

• Giving your prescription medication to a friend or family member
• Selling your prescription drugs
• Using someone else’s prescription medication

Local pharmacist Maria Rodriguez explains that the penalties for sharing prescription drugs may include fines and jail time. More importantly, it can lead to dangerous health risks for the person taking the medication without proper medical care.

As our community deals with the fallout from Dr. Padidar’s alleged actions, remember to use prescription medications responsibly and legally. If you have unused medications, do not share them. Instead, ask your local pharmacy about safe ways to dispose of them.

Remember: Your prescription is for you alone. When in doubt, always talk to a healthcare professional.