Why did you get involved in the life sciences?
From a young age, I’ve been curious and have had a need to fix things. And I’ve always had a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. My dad came to Canada in 1972, after completing his bachelor’s in technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering from the India Institute of Technology (IIT Bombay). My mom came to Canada at the age of 20 after marrying my father. She was interested in the arts and decided to take on floral design as a career. She ended up opening her own flower shop. It was a very humble business but I learned a lot about customer service and the importance of blending art and innovation while spending time working with her.
As a child I was hospitalized many times. Being a severe asthmatic, I learned the importance of how medications can impact one’s well-being. In high school, I excelled in science and math. I considered being a doctor, but ultimately ended up mixing my passions for health care and business by choosing the path of pharmacy. Pharmacists play a critical role in patient care and improving health outcomes, which really appealed to me.
What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned along the way?
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and the ability to adapt and recover in the face of challenges. I’ve learned to take setbacks and turn them into opportunities for growth. In 2010 I sold my retail pharmacies because I wasn’t happy with the growing gaps in the system, which were impacting my ability to care for my patients – especially those with chronic diseases.
“Once a patient is diagnosed with a complex illness, they embark on an arduous journey to obtain specialty medication, which then requires very particular knowledge in order to navigate the complexities of our current health care system.”
Canada’s complex regulatory environment was limiting pharmacists’ access to many medications and creating silos, rather than promoting collaboration and comprehensive care. It took some time and space, but I ultimately re-envisioned the pharmacy model, which led to the birth of SRx Health Solutions in 2013. The goal was to build a better care model by focusing on collaboration between physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and pharmaceutical manufacturers to drive patient outcomes.
Another important lesson learned throughout my journey is to stay humble and listen to my customers and stakeholders. A business does not succeed without constant engagement with those who trust you while continually iterating to improve your service offerings.
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What are the main challenges associated with developing patient-centric health care models?
We face numerous high-level challenges, including a fragmented system (with varying complex regulatory environments and reimbursement models across the country), siloed care models, a lack of interoperability between systems, and resistance to change, just to name a few. That said, my main focus is on how these factors impact the way care is delivered to patients across Canada.
More often than not, when a patient needs to be seen by a doctor, the wait time until they receive medical attention can take months. In the case of chronic complex or rare disease diagnosis, that time can double. And that’s just the start of the journey. Once a patient is diagnosed with a complex illness, they embark on an arduous journey to obtain specialty medication, which then requires very particular knowledge in order to navigate the complexities of our current health care system.
And once a patient finally gets started on treatment, treatment plans can be complicated, necessitating self-injection or infusion. All the while, patients are trying to come to terms with their new normal. The system is overwhelming, and patients may not be monitored as closely as they should be, which can affect efficacy and treatment outcomes. Every person reacts differently to medication, too. I know this all sounds very grim. However, the good news is that these obstacles are not insurmountable.
What makes your company unique?
Today, our company stands out for its commitment to comprehensive, patient-centric care and a collaborative approach that addresses gaps to improve patient outcomes and experiences. We act as a vital link, closing the circle of care.
We deliver beyond the traditional pharmacy model to include a full suite of specialty services, ensuring care over convenience and that no patient gets left behind. Our clinical expertise and pharmacist-to-patient ratio support an approach that enables us to deliver high-quality care to every patient. And yet, we’re more than just a specialty pharmacy. We’re a robust network that represents a critical infrastructure designed to meet the evolving needs of patients. From our specialty pharmacies to our treatment sites and infusion clinics, allied nursing and interdisciplinary teams, patient support programs, clinical trials, and wholesale and distribution services, we’re tailoring solutions to address unmet health care needs.
“Access to vital therapies remains uncertain despite promises of government funding, but we’re committed to supporting Canadians with rare diseases by leveraging technology and care coordination.”
Patients living in smaller Canadian cities with inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease often struggle with accessing care locally when they’re prescribed specialty medications like biologics. I’ve heard of patients travelling many hours on a regular basis for infusions or to pick up medications. This shouldn’t happen; care should be accessible where you live. This is why we’ve built pharmacies and treatment centres in big and small Canadian cities, where patients can meet with a pharmacist or a nurse in person. In many communities, we’re the only pharmacy care for specialty medications.
Through a personalized approach, we not only meet the unique needs and preferences of each patient but empower them to actively participate in their health care journey, ensuring they have access to information, resources, and support, which results in more effective, efficient, and meaningful care experiences.
What does the future hold for Canadians living with complex chronic and rare diseases?
Now more than ever, the future for Canadians living with complex chronic diseases holds promise, thanks to more personalized and integrated care solutions, awareness, patient advocacy, and policy reform. For those living with rare diseases, the situation is still pressing. Access to vital therapies remains uncertain despite promises of government funding, but we’re committed to supporting Canadians with rare diseases by leveraging technology and care coordination.
Making a difference in patient care is about improving quality of life, lending a supportive hand, instilling hope, and restoring dignity. That’s the true essence of healing. While the country has a long way to go, we’re committed to doing our part to improve Canadians’ wellness. Our fragmented system is fixable. If we all come together, we can build a system that genuinely ensures all Canadians have equal access to the modern, personalized health care they need and deserve.
To learn more about SRx Health Solutions, click here.
This story was created by Patient Voice, on behalf of SRx Health Solutions.
