US Doctor Arrested For Stealing Vaccine For Family And Friends

The immunization against COVID-19 vaccine across the world has just started gaining momentum, and on the other hand the incidents of vaccine theft and fraud have started showing up.

In one such incident, a doctor in Harris Country,  Texas was fired for allegedly stealing  the COVID-19 vaccine to give shots to his friends and relatives.

 The incident came to light as Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced on Thursday that Dr. Hasan Gokal was being charged with allegations of  theft by a public servant ( his colleague) for allegedly stealing a vial of the vaccine containing nine doses.

Allegedly, Dr. Hasan Gokal stole the vial containing nine doses of the Moderna vaccine while working at a vaccination site at Lyndsay Lyons Park, in Humble.

According to the statement released by the health department, the vaccine theft happened on Dec. 29, when Gokal (worked for Harris County Public Health) was appointed at a vaccination site.

The incident was first reported by Gokale’s colleague at the health department to whom Gokale boasted about the incident, the colleague found it inappropriate and informed the higher authorities about his theft.

Mishandling the coronavirus vaccine can result in a loss of government funding, so Gokal was fired after the alleged theft was discovered.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg  also said that doctor ‘abused his power’ and his actions were illegal and  he will be held accountable.

“He abused his position to place his friends and family in line in front of people who had gone through the lawful process to be there.What he did was illegal and he’ll be held accountable under the law,” said Ogg.

 If convicted, Gokale will be jailed for an year and had to pay a fine of nearly $4,000.