A pharmacist who played a role in saving lives by spearheading his organisation’s national Covid-19 response has been recognised for his contribution.

Ifti Khan, 55, a father-of-two from Bolton, Greater Manchester has been named one of just 28 new Fellows of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, one of the highest accolades for outstanding achievements in pharmacy.

placeholder image — Ifti Khan | Drew Forsyth/ Well Pharmacy

Khan is the Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, he has worked in a wide range of roles from local branches to national leadership.

He also led Well Pharmacy’s national response at a time of unprecedented uncertainty. His leadership ensured the organisation kept its 760 branches open and operating, ensuring over 2 million patients a week had continued access to essential medicines and health advice.

Under his leadership, the organisation rapidly deployed protective screens, enforced social distancing, sourced PPE for 7,000 colleagues and managed the distribution of lateral flow tests and administration of vaccinations.

Ifti Khan, Superintendent Pharmacist said: “As the pandemic hit China, I approached our CEO about reviewing our business continuity plans, which he agreed to. That gave us a much-needed head start. Very quickly everything was going 100 miles an hour, things were changing not just by the day, but by the hour and every home nation had different rules.”

Adding: “We were affected as a family. My wife, who was a hospital pharmacist at the time, worked in ICU with Covid patients. Both my daughters volunteered in vaccination centres. It was all-consuming and scary. I don't know where we found the resilience, you just dig deep. Even though it was five years ago, it still feels like yesterday.”

Khan’s leadership undoubtedly helped keep community pharmacies functioning when they were needed most.

He said: “I think we did a phenomenal job,” he said. “The entire pharmacy community did. It often gets forgotten, but it’s probably the one achievement that will always stay with me.”

However he now has a new mission to help champion the blood pressure monitoring service and has set a goal to identify at least one patient with undiagnosed hypertension a week, potentially saving lives.

He said: “I am on a mission now with our blood pressure service, that's the one service which can identify a silent killer and save the lives of people who have no idea they’re at risk.”

In regard to the award, Khan said: “I am deeply honoured and truly humbled to have been awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. This recognition is a personal milestone and a reflection of the shared journey I have been fortunate to undertake alongside so many inspiring individuals.”

“This Fellowship is a testament to the unwavering support I have received from my family, friends and the incredible colleagues and teams I have worked with throughout my career. Their belief in me and the vision I have championed has been a constant source of motivation and strength. I am sincerely grateful to those who nominated me for this prestigious award; your recognition means more than words can express.”

Adding: “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the RPS for this immense honour. To be included among such a distinguished group of Fellows is both humbling and inspiring. It strengthens my resolve to continue driving meaningful change, supporting the next generation of pharmacy professionals and contributing to the ongoing evolution of our vital sector.”

Andrew Caplan, Chief Retail Officer, Bestway Healthcare said: “We are delighted that Ifti has received this recognition for his dedication to community pharmacy. Fellowships are awarded through peer nominations, so this really shows the high esteem in which Ifti is held both by his peers and by Bestway Healthcare.”