Hiten Patel

CEO of Pharma Plus Ltd

On 12th April 2014 I, along with pharmacists’ friends, Peter Cattee, Manvir Patel and Kirit Patel, will be embarking on an ambitious journey to incredible India overland.

Departing from London, the journey by car will take more or less 10 weeks and will cover 17 countries, which will include Serbia, Kazakhstan, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, China and Tibet to name a few. The journey will see us drive 12,800 miles and will go over the Himalayan base station, which is at a height of over 14,000 feet above sea level.

I’ve always imagined a road trip of this nature and the idea of it developed from a casual conversation with my friend Kirit. And now we’re just days away before we set off on this trip, it still feels unreal. I feel mixture of excitement and trepidation. This is to be one of my biggest challenges in life to date.

Our preparations have been quite extensive; we delegated each other with different roles in order to organize this trip, from applying for visas to planning of the routes. For example, visas to several of these countries itself has been a lengthy process, a lot of it owing to the information an application required. So far seven visas have been obtained though there are a few more we need along the way, depending on the route taken.

We’ll be driving a Land Cruiser and have completely fitted it out for the means of this journey. Already we know we’re limited with time. We’re scheduled to meet with a former Chinese official on a set date and time when travelling into China. He’s there to ensure that we stay on the designated route but for whatever reasons if we miss getting there on time there’s a chance he may not wait at the border for us, and we will be unable to enter.

We’re well aware that whatever prepping we have made some factors will be out of our control. Be it related to a political stance of a country like Ukraine or any delays due to visas when cross bordering.

We are working to raise money for an independent charity, Pharmacist Support and aim to visit one pharmacy in each country along the way. This charity provides a free and confidential service for Pharmacists and their families. For more information and if you would like to get involved by donations you can visit: https://www.justgiving.com/pharmacistsupport/

Last but not least, I would like to make a special mention to all our sponsors. Biodose: Brian Fisher, Alliance: John Pignone, Rx: Ian Taylor, IPS: Ashok Patel, Bappt:(Shopfitters) Adam Hitchcott, AAH: Chris Frost and BSI Bank: Prashant Ajitsaria, who have all compassionately supported our road trip.

I look forward to updating you all with my tales of exploration and adventures through my blogs; though will see you all when we’re back.

Thank you for your support and please continue doing so.