Vishal, Tanvi, Natacha and Dylon
By combining an online pharmacy and healthy living shop, Vishal and Tanvi Patel and their team have created a valuable community resource
Almost three years since they opened on Goldhawk Road, and having survived a burst water main which completely flooded the premises and destroyed their stock, Vishal and Tanvi Patel have built a successful business.
In fact, the charming couple, who are both experienced pharmacists, have built two businesses in one: an online pharmacy (Pharmacy on Wheels) and a health and fitness outlet (Fitness Fuel). ‘You could say that we are the perfect fusion of Boots and Holland & Barrett,’ smiles Tanvi.
‘While the concept of an online pharmacy is still relatively new, we dispense under exactly the same NHS regulations as a traditional chemist – and we have the huge advantage of convenience. Patients registered with us have their prescriptions sent electronically from their GP and we make them up and deliver to the door (home or work). If it is within three miles and the stock is available, it’s a same-day service. Also, if a patient has a repeat prescription, we take care of the re-ordering, so there’s never any worry about running out.’
Having supplied drug trays (dosset boxes) to care home residents for some time, Tanvi and Vishal are now providing them to their other patients. ‘We have 28-day trays and they are perfect for everyone – the elderly, the forgetful and the just busy – and particularly those taking multiple tablets daily,’ explains Vishal. ‘Even better, the individual pods pop out, so if you’re away for a few days, you just take the ones you need, not the whole tray.’
The Fitness Fuel side of the business caters for everyone from fitness enthusiasts to mothers and babies. ‘Our focus is on stocking high quality, specialist products,’ says Tanvi. ‘For example, we have the natural skincare brand MooGoo, minerals, multi-vitamins and sports nutrition supplements, and an excellent range of fitness aids.’
With an on-site consultation room in which the couple run a licensed travel clinic, Tanvi and Vishal are a one-stop medical and healthy lifestyle hub. And, if you need assistance, they are always happy to advise.
Read the full article
