Superdrug Pharmacy in Nabua is now open 24 hours.

Superdrug director Abhay Nand said that the push to open the pharmacy for 24 hours was much awaited by the community.

“Superdrug in Nabua has been in operation for over 30 years, is one of the only 24/7 operated pharmacy’s in Suva, with an on-call pharmacist around the clock.” Mr Nand said.

“A pharmacy that is always in operations has its own challenges, as no pharmacist was keen on doing the graveyard shift.

“Through the Ministry of Trade and Immigration, applications were put across to both Ministries to bring in expatriate pharmacists who would be keen to work the long hours.

“We are now looking to get a general practitioner for the facility as well.

“The 24-hour service that is provided by the pharmacy has even led to hotels referring their guests to the pharmacy and also early morning runs for baby milk solutions for parents have been observed.”

The pharmacy has 20 staff members of whom four are pharmacists.

Due to the late opening hours, security has been increased but the phramacy hasn’t faced any such problems.

The demand for more facilities that are open 24 hours especially in the medical field is essential for convenience and even during emergencies, as pharmacies are a crucial part of communities,” Mr Nand said.

“We aim to add onto the services that we are currently providing, such as increasing the number of pharmacists and recruiting more local practitioners as we are still training people for the night shift,” said Mr Nand.

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