Shakeel Abdool, pharmacy dispenser at Pharmacy Atchia

“Providing primary healthcare is one of the best satisfaction you can get”

Tell us about your journey as a pharmacy dispenser?
I am Shakeel Abdool and I have been a pharmacy dispenser at Pharmacy Atchia for the past 34 years. At the very start of my career, I had the opportunity to work under the supervision of Mr. Vawda, who also worked at Pharmacy Atchia. I believe where I am working is the best learning center. I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot from my other colleagues. So far, it has been a fruitful journey.

What is your role?
My role as a pharmacist is very precise;

• To dispense prescriptions
• To receive, order and store medicines that come at the pharmacy on a daily basis.
• To computerize all medicines received on the software
• Diabetic testing for patients
• Monitoring patients’ blood pressure
• To check expiry dates of medicines
  I must add that all of the above is done under the supervision of a pharmacist.

What do you like most about your job?

The most amazing part of this job is that pharmacy is a field that involves a continuous learning process. Every day new medicines are developed, produced and marketed. Moreover, to be able to help people in society especially during the Covid pandemic as providing primary health care is one of the best satisfaction you can get.

What has this job taught you on a personal level?

I have learnt that the client is king, you need to have the maximum level of patience. Whether you are having a bad day or not, the moment you are over the counter, you need to be at your best. You always have to show the positive side to the patient.

What are your plans for the future?

To be quite honest, I don’t have much plan for the future at this age. After 34 years of service at Pharmacy Atchia, I have been able to achieve a lot and lead a respectful and happy life. With Covid looming dangerously around, you have to live the present moment as it is and not think much about the future. Whatever is going to happen, will definitely happen.