By Kirra Livingstone
MONTVILLE locals can once again fill prescriptions in town, thanks to the determination of pharmacist Abdul Mohammed, who officially reopened the town’s pharmacy on Friday, April 4.
The previous pharmacy shut its doors on July 29, 2023, following the closure of Montville’s only medical centre.
When Mr Mohammed heard about the closure of the pharmacy through the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, he said he had felt compelled to act.
“This town needs a pharmacy,” he said.
“I couldn’t understand why it was closing.
“I knew it would be a challenge and a long road, but I was determined to try.”
Mr Mohammed already owned a rural pharmacy and was no stranger to the demands of servicing smaller communities.
He waited a year before diving in, despite there being no doctor in town at the time. “I think people were driving 15–20 minutes each way, then waiting just as long once they got there—it could take an hour just to fill a script,” he said.
“Now it’s a two-minute drive, and people love that.”
Montville Chamber of Commerce president, Shiralee Cooper, said the community was thrilled to have the pharmacy back.
“After nearly two years without one, the reopening has been welcomed with open arms,” she said.
“Having both a doctor and a pharmacy back is a big win for the town.
“Montville Health Centre, run by Dr Herbert, has also opened nearby at 200 Main Street, close to the Montville Visitor Information Centre.”
Montville’s only medical centre closed in mid-January 2023, after failing to find more staff to accommodate the town’s health needs. The Montville Health Centre was then opened by Dr Herbert in November later that year, and has since relocated from next to the pharmacy, to 200 Main St.
kirra@gcnews.com.au