CurePharma to take medicine to Iraqi people

Two pharmacists are aiming to make medicine accessible anywhere in Iraq with the launch of their new business.
CurePharma founders, Mustafa Al-Shalechy (left) and business development manager, Ali Alshamari, who are to export pharmaceuticals and healthcare products to Iraq.CurePharma founders, Mustafa Al-Shalechy (left) and business development manager, Ali Alshamari, who are to export pharmaceuticals and healthcare products to Iraq.
CurePharma founders, Mustafa Al-Shalechy (left) and business development manager, Ali Alshamari, who are to export pharmaceuticals and healthcare products to Iraq.

Mustafa Al-Shalechy and Ali Alshamari, who are both originally from the country, are looking to export modern medicine to Iraq through CurePharma.

Mr Alshamari, business development manager, and Mr Al-Shalechy, director, gained pharmacy degrees to masters level at University of Bradford two years ago.

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Alongside wanting to get into pharmacy, Mr Al-Shalechy said, he “had a passion to get into business”.

He told The Yorkshire Post: “Our aim is to make medication accessible anywhere in Iraq. So we’re working hard on establishing a decent distribution network.”

In order to get started the firm will begin by exporting to Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, which Mr Al-Shalechy says offers good connectivity to the rest of the country.

He said: “From Baghdad we can get connected to almost any part of Iraq. We want to take it from there.”

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“There’s a possibility we might have a small warehouse in Basra.”

CurePharma will initially focus on just Iraq, where both the founders of the business still have relatives, but Mr Al-Shalechy says they are open to expanding their operations further in the future to other countries nearby. Although Mr Al-Shalechy hopes to establish a successful business, he said: “The key for us is to maintain a reliable supply of medicine to the country.”

CurePharma received help from overseas trade specialist, Chamber International in establishing UK and overseas contacts to start exporting.

The Wetherby-based wholesale distributor has been recognised by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as operating in line with guidelines for good distribution practice by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

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Mr Al-Shalechy says that UK pharmaceutical and healthcare products are recognised for their quality in the country and that the British brand is highly sought after.

The director of CurePharma finished his degree two years ago and has gained experience working for the likes of the Co-operative, Lloydspharma and Harrogate Hospital.

Both Mr Al-Shalechy and his business partner came to Yorkshire with their families as children.

They both maintain contact with relatives and acquaintances in Iraq.

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“My business partner goes at least twice a year to the country. We are in direct touch with people there,” said Mr Al-Shalechy.

David Attia, export adviser at Chamber International, provided advice and put CurePharma in touch with UK pharmaceutical companies, logistics suppliers and ambassadors in Chamber International’s export network for mentoring and advice.

Mr Attia said: “CurePharma has identified significant export potential which can improve access to quality medicines, which are often unavailable, in Iraq and which can then be developed throughout the Middle East.

“It is a fascinating export project which, like all good ideas, meets a real need, and we are pleased to be assisting them.”

CurePharma, based at Thorp Arch Estate, will be exporting both over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

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