Behram celebrates 45 years of service to the community |03 July 2021

Behram’s Pharmacy at Orion Mall

Behram’s Pharmacy is undoubtedly the most well known pharmacy in the country. Founded 45 years ago, it has become a pillar of the community and provides fierce competition to other pharmacies.

To honour the service rendered to the community, Behram Udwadia, founder of the pharmacy, was recently recognised by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Britain.

“I have always enjoyed my profession and serving the community,” said Mr Udwadia who also holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Seychelles.

Mr Udwadia studied in England, at Sunderland University, from 1972 till 1975, then afterwards did a one-year post graduate training to become a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of England.

After qualifying, he came back to Seychelles and started practicing at the Ministry of Health before leaving to start Behram’s Pharmacy in 1977 which at the time was the second pharmacy in the country.

“It wasn’t too easy at that time, but with the guidance of my parents and family I was able to open the pharmacy which was located at Mont Fleuri and luckily for us the public welcomed our services with open arms,” said Mr Udwadia.

He further added “this has also become a family business as I also have my daughter who studied at the same university as I did and is now running our second branch. I know that when the time comes for me to retire she will continue to carry the torch”.

Regarding his 45-year journey, Mr Udwadia noted that after independence the Ministry of Health and private pharmacies functioned separately, but later on private practices were abolished during the one party state era and private practitioners were asked to join the Ministry of Health or close down.

“Everything was run by the Ministry of Health during that time, what we did was we complemented the service the Ministry of Health was giving and we were accepted by the government,” he added.

When it comes to medication being offered by the ministry and private sector the doctor said that it is important that the two entities complement each other.

He ended by saying that he wishes Seychelles proceeds in the right course in regard to offering better health care to its citizens.

He also thanked his staff for their support throughout the years and helping him carry on to offer this service.

Jeannette Toussaint, who has been with the pharmacy for 42 years, is the longest serving member working alongside Mr Udwadia. She started working for the pharmacy when she was just 15 years old.

“I love my job as it gives me the opportunity to help people in our community and this has made me a well known person due to the popularity of the pharmacy,” Mrs Toussaint said.

Mrs Toussaint said that she is not planning to retire any time soon.

A word of advice she gave to younger people who are planning a career in pharmaceuticals is to give it their all and always have a good bedside manner.

Christophe Zialor

Photos: Thomas Meriton