Thanks A Million campaign: Pharmacist Irfran Hashmi provided free essential services to most vulnerable

TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacist Irfran Hashmi put his community first during the height of the pandemic, delivering free services, including vaccinations.

Irfan Hashmi, with wife Sobia, is a pharmacist who set up free flu vaccination clinics in Adelaide and regional centres during COVID-19 to help keep the community healthy. Picture: Tom Huntley

Irfran Hashmi believes a pharmacist plays a major role in the care of a community. When COVID-19 hit, he put that belief into action.

The pharmacist at TerryWhite Chemmart, Cumberland Park, moved quickly to provide free medical deliveries, free flu vaccinations, hand sanitisers, masks and other services to the most vulnerable in his community.

Then he started looking outside his area to how he could help other communities during the pandemic.

The Pakistani-born pharmacist was nominated in the Thanks A Million campaign by friend and colleague, Mehwesh Ahsan. “When I got to know him better and especially after working with him, his story inspired me enough to feel that he deserves to be nominated,” she said. “I was touched and impressed by his humility, despite the success he has achieved in Australia.”

Hashmi was particularly concerned with those most at risk when COVID-19 hit.

Nominate someone and say thanks at thanksamillion.net.au

“During the pandemic, I collaborated with 37 different community and sports organisations, conducted 24 flu clinics outside of the pharmacy and provided 1200 free flu vaccines to vulnerable people in SA,” said Mr Hashmi, who believes vaccinating against the flu is a good community safeguard.

“I wanted to give back to the community and I thought this was the best time and this was the best possible way to connect with the community. We made video messages and translated our flu vaccination flyer into 15 different languages and circulated them through social media to the wider community.”

On top of everything Mr Hashmi has done throughout the pandemic, he still finds time to work as a fill-in pharmacist in regional locations like Port Pirie, Orroroo, Quorn, Coober Pedy and Merbein.

Mr Hashmi moved to Australia in 2003 and has been a practising pharmacist in Australia since 2005. He was named Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia in 2009 and featured in the ABC TV documentary, Dream Australia, in 2013 as a role model for immigrants in rural South Australia.

To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card.

Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, visit thanksamillion.net.au

Originally published as Thanks A Million campaign: Pharmacist Irfran Hashmi provided free essential services to most vulnerable