Jonie Girouard, the now deregistered Canterbury GP Newshub filmed issuing COVID-19 vaccine medical certificate exemptions to anti-vaxxers, is now running a "guilt-free" chocolate company.
The Medical Council confirmed on Monday Dr Girouard can no longer practise in New Zealand, after Newshub last month revealed she'd been seeing patients face-to-face, carrying out minimal checks like a simple blood pressure test - then writing them vaccine exemptions. The undercover operation recorded Dr Girouard, from a weight loss clinic in north Canterbury, telling patients the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was "horrible, horrible medicine".
This vaccine is proven to make people less likely they'll be infected and dozens of times less likely people will become seriously ill or die.
In the video, Dr Girouard also boasted about one of her certificates breaching international border control.
Despite deregistration, Dr Girouard is still operating her chocolate business - with a new website appearing to have been set up recently.
"#guiltfreechocolate #ketofriendly sweetened only with #allulose #nzmade Created by Drs Jonie & Mike Girouard to satisfy sweet & chocolate urges!" the company's Instagram bio says.
WorkSafe, the Ministry of Health and the Health and Disability Commissioner all launched investigations into Dr Girouard last month after the Newshub investigation and the Medical Council confirmed her deregistration on Monday.
"Dr Girouard is no longer registered, therefore is unable to practise medicine in New Zealand," Medical Council chair Curtis Walker said.
"Council can also confirm that we have received a number of notifications that relate to matters of potential misinformation and vaccination against COVID-19. Council must follow the principles of natural justice when considering any notification about a doctor," said Dr Walker.
Responding to the revelations about Dr Girouard last month, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealanders would be "disappointed and upset to see a health professional undertaking activity that puts others at risk", while Opposition leader Chris Luxon described it as "disgraceful... crazy and nuts".
Dr Girouard had been practising as a GP in New Zealand since 2015.
