By Andrew Lane
The message of Diwali - a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness – seems to take on new layers of meaning every year.
At the height of the Covid pandemic, it brought to mind the importance of togetherness, as we all struggled through lockdowns and missed the human contact that is so important to us all.
In 2022, sadly, it feels like there’s a lot of darkness in the world. Diwali is so full of hope for the future and we certainly need some of that that right now. In troubled times, both in the UK and across the globe, Diwali provides an opportunity to reflect and hope for better times ahead.
In their own way, pharmacies bring light to the communities they serve – giving help and reassurance to many vulnerable people. As chair of the NPA it is truly a privilege to support pharmacy teams to deliver this vital work all year round. Diwali is a family feast – at the NPA we like to think of ourselves as the family of family-owned pharmacies.
I wish all my colleagues and friends who are marking Diwali – and all Pharmacy Business readers - the very best to you, your families, the people you work with and the patients you serve.
Andrew Lane is chair of National Pharmacy Association.
Pharmacyexprezz offers blood tests, travel vaccinations, earwax removal, cryotherapy and more.
The team at Pharmacyexprezz continues to grow
In 2023, Easter Pharmacy was expanded into the shop next door to create a dedicated dispensary. 
Easter Pharmacy has four consultation rooms, offering a range of NHS and private services
Totty Pharmacy has increased the number of services it provides
Totty Pharmacy in Charlton
One of Totty Pharmacy's new and improved consultation rooms
Every member of the Totty Pharmacy team is encouraged to develop their skills
Samson Akere collecting his award at the Pharmacy Business Awards