Sponsored by Teva Canada Limited, the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award for Health Promotion recognizes a pharmacist who has demonstrated excellence in the ongoing education of patients on wellness, the encouragement of a healthier lifestyle and disease prevention and management.
“CPhA is immensely proud of these outstanding pharmacists and the difference they are making to the lives of patients, their communities and to our profession,” said CPhA Chair Jane Farnham. “I’d like to offer my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to our winners for the leadership, compassion and dedication they demonstrate each and every day.”
Nafisa Merali has been described as a pioneer in the pharmacy profession. With a commitment to health promotion, patient care and community education, Nafisa and her team truly go above and beyond the call of duty in their mission to educate patients and empower them to manage their own health.
Nafisa’s dedication to education is evident in the number and diversity of programs her four BC pharmacies provide. “Our services have distinguished from others in our field and has earned us the trust and loyalty of our patients,” she says. Her pharmacy locations offer free monthly clinics on diabetes, heart health, osteoporosis, skin care and sleep hygiene, and provide additional services, such as medication management, custom compounding, immunizations and in-home wellness consultations.
Nafisa herself works tirelessly with patients on diabetes management, from insulin adjustment to basic survival skills. In addition, her team is involved in community outreach programs, bringing clinical services to community centres, temples and seniors’ homes. “The ability to make a difference is extremely rewarding,” says Nafisa. “Our programs are designed to educate our patients about their health, be their advocates and equip them with the tools they need to manage their health.”
And all of these services are offered in several languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. “I have a very ethnic practice and providing language-specific care is important,” says Nafisa. She also appears regularly on the Multicultural Channel, discussing various issues affecting the Indo-Canadian community. Nafisa is a driving force in this community, promoting healthy living and helping patients achieve optimum health.
Nafisa’s multi-disciplinary approach has been recognized by physicians and patients alike.
“Nafisa Merali and her highly trained pharmacy staff have done a commendable job taking into account the needs of the community, the needs of the health care providers and the patients and customers who have come to rely on this pharmacy,” said one physician.
Nafisa Merali is a graduate of the University of British Columbia. She has her Certified Diabetes Educator designation and is a Certified Immunizer for immunizations and vaccines.
Nafisa was the recipient of BCPhA’s 2013 Bowl of Hygeia Award recognizing outstanding community service.
