Mullewa’s only pharmacy to close

Mullewa’s only pharmacy will close next month after the town’s shrinking population made the business unviable. La Croix Pharmacy owner Michel Ibrahim said he had tried to give the business away for free, but he didn’t receive a single offer. He said he loved working in Mullewa and was devastated to leave the town without a place to buy medication.

After the store closes on January 10, residents will have to make a round trip of 200km or more — a drive of more than two hours — to pick up medication from Geraldton or Morawa.

“It’s going to have a huge impact on people who don’t have a car and people who can’t drive,” he said.

Mullewa’s only doctor, Nalini Rao, said she would try to organise a way to dispense medication to people in town.

“People need their medication,” Dr Rao said.

In 2016, according to the Census, Mullewa had a population of 447.

Mr Ibrahim, pictured, said he was heartbroken to be leaving Mullewa and he would miss long chats with locals when they came to collect their prescriptions.

“It’s been an absolute privilege and pleasure serving the community,” he said.