This month for me is a time for reflection and celebration as well as an opportunity to honour the contributions of South Asians in various fields, including pharmacy.

It’s a moment to appreciate our shared history, cultural heritage, and the impact we’ve made in our communities.

I have been a dedicated community pharmacist for 42 years.

My career began in a dispensary on weekends before I qualified as a pharmacist.

For the past four decades, I have been committed to helping East London, a region that’s seen significant healthcare challenges.

When I opened my first pharmacy in Whitechapel, it was a deprived area with a diverse population, including Bengali, Indian, Jewish, Irish, Polish, English, and other ethnicities.

In the late 70s and early 80s, Whitechapel was considered a no-go area, but I chose to set up my pharmacy there despite limited resources.

We worked tirelessly to serve our local area and continue to do so.

In celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, I am participating in cultural community events while continuing to mentor younger pharmacists from similar backgrounds.

Read More: Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month

My daughters are now qualified pharmacists also, I share my experiences and encourage them to embrace their heritage with pride.

To my fellow South Asian colleagues in community pharmacy: Your dedication, compassion, and hard work really makes a difference to the lives of those we serve.

Our shared heritage is a source of strength and inspiration.

Let’s continue to uphold the values of integrity, service, and excellence that are the hallmarks of our culture.

Prakash Patel is a CPE committee member, regional representative for North London, and chairman of the Northeast London LPC.