Pharmacist turns lifelong dream into thriving business

AFTER eight years of honing her skills in the pharmaceutical field, Ms Tariro Mapfumo (45) has finally turned her lifelong dream into reality by establishing her own pharmacy — an achievement inspired by the firm encouragement of her mother.

Ms Mapfumo’s journey into entrepreneurship was fuelled by a deep-seated passion for healthcare and a desire to provide accessible medical services to her community. Her mother, a pillar of support and motivation, urged her to take a leap of faith and start her own business. With these words echoing in her mind, Ms Mapfumo began laying the groundwork for her venture.

In 2016, her vision materialised when she opened the doors to Medipharm, her very own pharmacy, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to improve community healthcare access.

Growing up, Ms Mapfumo learned the values of hard work and dedication by assisting her mother with various household and community tasks. These early experiences instilled in her a sense of discipline and a commitment to serving others.

Her professional journey saw her gaining international experience in South Africa before returning to Zimbabwe. Upon her return, she completed her community service at St Anne’s Hospital in Brunapeg, Mangwe District.

This experience exposed her to the healthcare challenges faced by rural communities, further cementing her resolve to establish a pharmacy that prioritises affordable and quality healthcare services.

Like many entrepreneurs, Ms Mapfumo encountered numerous hurdles along the way. One of the most significant challenges was securing capital to purchase essential pharmaceutical equipment and stock quality medicines. However, rather than being discouraged, she viewed these obstacles as opportunities to innovate and carve a niche for herself in the industry.

“Starting my own pharmacy was not easy. As a woman in a male-dominated field, I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. Months of planning revealed several hurdles, including financial constraints, but I remained determined,” said Ms Mapfumo.

“I identified a gap in the market for affordable and high-quality healthcare services and used my passion for pharmacy to bridge that gap. After tireless research and strategic planning, I finally opened Medipharm in 2016.”
Today, Ms Mapfumo’s pharmacy stands out due to its customer-centric approach.

“What sets my pharmacy apart is my commitment to personalised care. I ensure that my clients are well informed about their medication and treatment options,” she said.

Through Medipharm, Ms Mapfumo continues to make a difference in her community, ensuring that quality healthcare remains within reach for all.

“Our services are affordable, and we strive to cater to the unique needs of each patient,” she explained.
Ms Mapfumo has also introduced innovative services such as discounts for clients who book consultations in advance, free delivery for nearby customers, and flexible payment plans for those facing financial difficulties.

“My goal is to make healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. I always negotiate with my clients to ensure they receive the best possible care at a price they can afford,” she said.

Beyond running a successful pharmacy, Ms Mapfumo is deeply passionate about empowering others through education and training. She currently serves as a lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), where she mentors aspiring pharmacists and shares insights from her professional journey.

Her academic background includes primary and secondary education at local schools before pursuing a pharmacy degree at Nust. She later furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s in Pharmacology, equipping her with advanced knowledge that she now imparts to her students.

As a successful entrepreneur, Ms Mapfumo encourages young business owners to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.

“Do not let fear or procrastination hold you back. Take the first step, work tirelessly towards your goals, and stay committed to your vision. Challenges will come, but they should never deter you from realising your dreams,” she said.