To celebrate World Pharmacy Day 2024, we hear from two of our THINK pharmacists in South Africa on how they Make a Difference
On World Pharmacy Day 2024, we would like to reflect on the essential role pharmacists play in healthcare. At THINK, pharmacy is about far more than dispensing medication. It’s about precision, compassion, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve. This is something that Suraksha Chirunt, a pharmacist, and Cherryl Makoloi, a pharmacy assistant, experience every day in their work at THINK South Africa.
Both Suraksha and Cherryl are happy to share their journeys and thoughts on what pharmacy means to them to commemorate this special day. Their personal stories shed light on the values of THINK’s pharmacy department, where care and meticulousness go hand in hand.
Suraksha’s journey into pharmacy wasn’t always obvious. As a child, she never imagined becoming a pharmacist, joking that she used to think of them as ‘drug dealers’. However, her love for chemistry in school, along with her family’s encouragement, led her to reconsider. Over time, she realised how much she could contribute, especially in helping people who struggled to understand or access medication. “Helping others felt like the right path for me,” she says.
Suraksha (left) and Cherryl (right) at the THNK South Africa pharmacy
For Cherryl, her inspiration came from seeing people in her family and her community not being able to access or understand their medication, especially due to language barriers. She realised she wanted to be ‘the voice of the voiceless’.
Cherryl’s commitment deepened when she discovered THINK at a TB conference in 2022. She recalls being drawn to the organisation’s mission and values, knowing instantly that she had found her place.
For Suraksha, her work at THINK is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a personal impact. She fondly remembers one of her first assignments, working with a 9-month-old baby on a THINK clinical trial. Initially, the baby cried a lot, but over time, he became her best friend, laughing every time he saw her – as Suraksha would mix his medication into yoghurt and sing him lullabies to soothe him. “Making a difference in his life and seeing him change is something I’ll carry with me forever,” she shares fondly.
“You’re the last person patients see in their healthcare journey, so you need to provide clarity and reassurance. Trust is essential.” – Cherryl Makoloi
Both Suraksha and Cherryl believe that being a good pharmacist requires much more than technical knowledge. According to Cherryl, listening skills and compassion are key. “You’re the last person patients see in their healthcare journey, so you need to provide clarity and reassurance. Trust is essential,” she explains.
Suraksha emphasises that while compassion is important, precision and meticulousness are vital. “One wrong dose or medication can cost a life,” she explains. “We have to stop, watch, and check everything. Because there’s no margin for error.”
“We have to stop, watch, and check everything. Because there’s no margin for error.” – Suraksha Chirunt
At THINK, pharmacists play a critical role not only within the clinic, but also in the wider community. Suraksha explains that their responsibilities often extend beyond the pharmacy counter. They engage with patients in the community, providing education on medication, food, and disease management. A lot of patients don’t have access to basic resources like food, which can affect how their treatment works. “We have the power to educate patients on how to take and store their medication properly,” says Suraksha.
THINK is celebrating all pharmacists across the globe on the 25th of September
Both Cherryl and Suraksha find immense satisfaction in seeing patients successfully complete their treatment. Cherryl lights up when she talks about how rewarding it is to tell someone they’ve been cured. “When you tell them they’ve made it, that they’ve finished their treatment, you can see the joy on their faces. It makes all the hard work worth it,” she says.
Suraksha also highlights the collaborative nature of working at THINK. “We’re one big team: doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, all working together to help patients. We share our findings, communicate well, and celebrate positive outcomes together. It’s rewarding to be part of something bigger.”
“We’re one big team: doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, all working together to help patients. We share our findings, communicate well, and celebrate positive outcomes together. It’s rewarding to be part of something bigger.” – Suraksha Chirunt
When reflecting on the field of pharmacy, both Suraksha and Cherryl offer valuable advice to aspiring pharmacists. Suraksha encourages those entering the field to stay compassionate and open-minded. “Don’t limit yourself, the possibilities are endless,” she says. Cherryl adds a reminder to stay ahead of changes in healthcare. “Always pay attention to the research and be ready to learn something new. Don’t assume, think!”
Suraksha and Cherryl’s work goes beyond administering medication; they ensure accuracy, provide vital information, and offer compassionate care that shapes the patient experience. At THINK, pharmacy is about precision, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to improving lives. By educating patients, managing treatment plans, and working closely with healthcare teams, pharmacists make a profound difference in both individual and community health outcomes to truly make a difference.
Léa Haulin
THINK Network Communications Intern
Autumn 2024