A new independent pharmacy opened this month.

On Saturday, October 26, the Mayor of Wokingham, members of the community and a host of local councillors attended the opening of Winnersh Pharmacy and Clinic.

Kanav Sikka, 31, made the decision to open in the area to provide the community with services following the closure of the Lloyds Pharmacy in the neighbouring Sainsbury’s superstore.

The opening event attracted a large gathering to welcome the new clinic to the Winnersh area.

Kanav praised the support of the local community saying: “It was such a great day. We are so honoured to have the support from the local councillors, GP surgeries and everyone in the community.”

As a former manager at the pharmacy in Reading West Tesco, Kanav hopes to provide a fully service driven business that caters for everyone in the area.

Alongside general services, the Winnersh Pharmacy and Clinic will also include travel health services, ear wax removal, weight loss services, and contraceptive advice and services. The pharmacy also caters for NHS and private prescriptions

As a pharmacist and qualified prescriber, Kanav is also hoping to be able to offer online GP consultations.

“I am a very driven person and after five years as a manager at the pharmacy in Tesco I wanted to create something of my own and give back to the community.

“My dad is a business owner in India so I have always had that entrepreneurial spirit. He has provided me with so much support.”

Karav arrived in the UK from India 13 years ago where he began his Pharmacy degree and masters at the University of Hertfordshire. He then went on to qualify as a medical prescriber at the University of Reading.

He said that he is excited to replace a gap in the market that has been left as many pharmacies are forced to close down.

The owner added: “Big Shout-out to The Store Manager and the team at Sainsbury's for Supporting us. Your trust and encouragement mean the world to us as we establish our place here, and we are excited to serve you for years to come.”

The opening of Winnersh Pharmacy and Clinic comes after news that Bracknell and Wokingham have the lowest number of pharmacies in the country.

Karav’s hope is to help provide more services for the local community, whilst supporting nearby GP surgeries.