They have been enjoying top-class service at the pharmacy for more than a decade – efficient, professional and, above all, caring. 

One customer says: “You don’t go to a pharmacy for a laugh – more often than not, there’s something wrong with you. At Hibiscus Pharmacy, you always feel as though the staff are concerned, that they want the best outcome for you. 

“It offers quite old-school customer service – and it’s lovely.” 

Marcus Leong and his wife Sin were delighted not only for themselves but also their staff when they won the Pharmacy Guild award, which put them through to the national finals on the Gold Coast in March. 

They laid on a celebration morning tea for staff and customers – the fact that so many local people turned up demonstrated that the pharmacy is truly a part of the community. 

Marcus and Sin took over the pharmacy in 2015 with the aim of making it a community health hub. 

Nobody doubts that they have succeeded. 

“We have worked hard to create a pharmacy that covers most health needs,” says Marcus. “It’s not just about making money – it’s about giving back.” 

While offering a wide range of services – everything from vitamins to prescription drugs – the pharmacy has built a community-focussed business. 

“You can’t teach staff to be helpful and considerate. We show them by example by working out front as much as possible. 

“Our primary focus is the customer. We listen to our customers’ needs. And when you’re an owner-operated pharmacy you can cater for individual needs much more effectively. 

“We’re not a retail shop, we’re not a grocery. We’ve got a real service spirit.” 

Hibiscus Pharmacy supplies Darwin’s four aged-care homes. 

It is open long hours seven days a week. 

Hibiscus Pharmacy is extremely innovative. 

For instance, it uses robotics, including the Rowa dispensing robot, Tosho Medi sachet packing robot and Alpaca Webster packing robot, which saves pharmacists an enormous amount of time, allowing staff to dedicate more time to customer care 

The robotics compound the pharmacy services, which allow tailored products to ensure all customer groups have their needs covered. 

Customers reap the benefits – prescriptions are delivered swiftly and accurately. And with a smile. 

Marcus and Sin have 35 staff, a mix of full-time and part-time. Many have been with the business for years. 

“We’re the United Nations,” says Malaysia-born Marcus. “We have people from all over the world. 

“I think that happy, multicultural atmosphere makes our customers feel comfortable. Our customers know that they will always get good service.” 

Hibiscus Pharmacy enjoys giving back to the community. 

Pharmacists have volunteered to provide vaccination services to aged-care homes and those unable to attend a medical clinic or pharmacy, ensuring they won’t miss out on essential vaccinations. 

The pharmacy also sponsors several community events and organisations, such as the Christmas Party NT, Tracy Village Cricket Club. Variety NT and Purple House. 

Peter Hatswell, president of the NT Pharmacy Guild, who joined the celebration morning tea at Hibiscus, is looking forwards to the day when pharmacies will be able to add a new exciting dimension to their service – the Northern Territory is joining the rest of Australia in allowing pharmacists to diagnose, treat and manage 23 common health conditions. 

Pharmacists must complete the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Practice and Prescribing for Pharmacists, delivered by James Cook University, which will allow them to take advantage of the radical changes. 

“This is a quantum shift,” says Mr Hatswell. 

“It’s especially important in the Top End where infections need to be dealt with quickly otherwise they’ll get out of hand. People can now be treated by their local pharmacist rather than having to wait to see a doctor.” TQ 

CONTACT 

Hibiscus Day & Night Compounding Pharmacy 

Hibiscus Shoppingtown 

8 Leanyer Dr, Leanyer NT 0812 

(08) 8945 5955 

admin@hibiscuspharmacy.com.au 

hibiscuspharmacy.com.au