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Writer: Vanessa Finaughty
Commissioned by: Independent Newspapers
Printed: Tabletalk, May 2007
Vita-Kem pharmacist
Arnold Bloch is one of three partners in a group of six pharmacies spread
throughout the northern suburbs of Cape Town.
Arnold is passionate
about his work and can think of nothing better than serving his community
in his profession. He studied for a total of five years before qualifying
as a pharmacist, starting at the University of Stellenbosch and then continuing
his studies at Cape Technikon. Arnold’s studies included three years
of theoretical studies and two years of practical studies.
Says Arnold: “You
can never truly know everything, however, the availability of lectures
and courses, as well as pharmaceutical literature affords pharmacists
an opportunity of staying abreast of the latest developments in the profession.”
Arnold continues his studies even today by attending courses and lectures
on a regular basis in order to keep his knowledge up to date.
Practicing since 1972,
Arnold is enthusiastic and confident in his abilities as a health professional
and says that he has developed his “people skills” over the
last 35 years. He says: “When you walk out of our pharmacy, we want
you to feel better than you did when you walked in. Atmosphere and good
communication between pharmacist and customer is key.”
The Durbell Vita-Kem
Health Pharmacy is designed in an ultra-modern style, with subtle lighting
that is easy on the eyes. It stocks a range of products, such as cosmetics;
alternative, complementary and supplementary health products, including
homeopathic products; and a large, widely stocked specialized sports nutrition
section, offering nutritional supplementation and consultation for endurance
athletes, bodybuilders and lifestyle management.
Additional services
include a primary healthcare clinic, with a qualified nursing sister on
board and separate doctor’s rooms, with Dr Paul Salkinder in attendance
from Monday to Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm; holistic practitioner
Helen Trichardt available every Wednesday and Friday, as well as on the
first Saturday of each month from 10am to 3pm and dermatologist Dr FC
Truter available for consultation for three days out of each month. The
pharmacy also provides a delivery service from Monday to Friday for the
convenience of clients.
Dedicated to his work,
this father of three takes a brisk walk early each morning along the Sea
Point beachfront. “It’s important to exercise and take care
of your body,” he says.
Arnold and his wife
Sonia have been married for 36 years, during which time Sonia worked with
him for the first 15 years, before “retiring” to focus on
provincial bowls. She rejoined him upon the opening of the new pharmacy.
They have been blessed
with three children and are also proud grandparents to Aaron and Georgia,
aged five and two respectively.
The pharmacy is located
in Seaside Village Centre along Otto du Plessis Drive in Big Bay (between
Blouberg and Melkbos), and both the pharmacy and the centre celebrated
their first birthdays with a festive celebration last Friday.
For further information
or inquiries, contact Arnold and the team at Durbell Vita-Kem Health Pharmacy
directly on 021 554 5037.