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Dream comes true

14/ 5/2008

A 10-YEAR career plan came to fruition last month when Nazma Bibi opened her own pharmacy business.

After studying for five years at Manchester University to gain professional qualifications, Nazma worked for four years for national pharmacy chains, building up her experience so that one day she could open her own pharmacy.

And when she decided her home in Westwood was the ideal place, she had to work against the clock to get the business open in time.

Nazma said "An NHS licence is needed to open a new pharmacy, and it took almost a year to persuade the authorities that one was needed in Westwood, even though there are no independents locally.

"Our application received a lot of support from the local community, and it was that which finally tipped the balance, and the licence was granted.

"The terms of the licence only hold for 12 months, though, and we had to acquire premises, convert them and fit them out with the consulting rooms and other facilities needed.

"We eventually decided on what had been a house at 57, Featherstall Road, and my husband Shelemur Rahman supervised all the conversion and fitting out work. We opened with just under a month to go before the permission expired.

"I always thought one day I would have my own pharmacy, and we try to serve the local people in ways that larger supermarket outlets don’t.

"We are full bilingual in English and Bangla, and this is so important to explain the background and reasons for treatment – for example how diet is crucial for diabetic patients.

" There are private consulting facilities, and specific personal help for women. We offer free collection and delivery for patients unable to collect medication; we monitor and organise medication for patients taking multiple tablets, and review repeat prescriptions."

Shelemur said "We have had a fantastic response since we opened, with so many local people saying how pleased they are to have a local pharmacy.

"We are already looking to recruit additional staff."