Thorrun Govind's journey in pharmacy is deeply influenced by her South Asian heritage, with a Punjabi mother and a Gujarati father shaping her professional path.
She reflects on this influence: "I think my heritage has influenced my journey to become a pharmacist because there are a number of well-known and recognized
figures in pharmacy who come from a South Asian background."
"I think there's a tradition of hard work in my heritage. Additionally, many businesspeople in the community have also been a key influence. This entrepreneurial
aspect has influenced my desire to pursue a career in pharmacy. It was always something I saw as part of my identity."
Currently, Thorrun practices as both a pharmacist and a healthcare lawyer. She provides legal support to fellow pharmacists, including assistance with fitness to
practice proceedings and business transactions.
In June 2024, Thorrun joined Brabners' regulatory & professional conduct team, further expanding her role in the sector.
Her journey, however, has not been without its challenges.
A snap survey conducted by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) revealed that over half of community pharmacy teams have felt unsafe in the past week
due to ongoing riots across the country.
The survey, which included responses from approximately 350 community pharmacies, also found that one in three pharmacies had considered closing because of
safety concerns, while 13 per cent of pharmacy teams reported experiencing racist comments during this period.
According to the NPA, over 40 per cent of pharmacists are of South Asian, Black, or other ethnic minority backgrounds, with the majority of independent community
pharmacy owners believed to be of South Asian heritage.
The association reports that businesses had been vandalised during the riots, leading some pharmacies to reduce their opening hours or close entirely, following
advice from the police and local authorities.
Despite a recent decline in disorder over the last few days, police have been advised to remain on high alert over the weekend.
England's chief pharmaceutical officer David Webb on Friday (July 22) officially opened a community health hub at a Hindu temple in west London.
The interactive health hub, which was built as part of the 'Festival of Inspiration' - a 10-day cultural celebration of the UK's South Asian Hindu communities, will
provide visitors with free health awareness and well-being advice.
The cultural extravaganza, which ends on July 31, draws upon the inspiring life, work and wisdom of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, one of the world's great
spiritual leaders and creator of the iconic Neasden Temple.
Sharing his reflection on the festival and the health hub, Webb said: "It's been an absolute pleasure to visit and be a part of the Festival of Inspiration on the
hundredth centenary of His Holiness. I've been really impressed by the extensive programme of engagement with the community to improve health and wellbeing."
Senior pharmacist Prof Mahendra Patel accompanied Webb during the opening ceremony.
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