Wilmington Pharmacy Named IPC’s 2025 Most Valuable Pharmacy
A Vision Rooted in Service
For Jitesh and Nisha Zala, pharmacy has always been personal. From childhood memories to family legacies and moments of deep loss, their journey is grounded in community and care. It’s what led them to serve patients with such intention and why Wilmington Pharmacy in Los Angeles, CA, has been named IPC’s 2025 Dan Moudry Most Valuable Pharmacy (MVP).
This award honors more than business success. It highlights leadership, compassion, innovation, and the power of pharmacy to make a lasting difference. And for Jitesh and Nisha, that impact is felt every day in the lives of the people they serve.
Rooted in Family
Initially, pharmacy seemed limiting. “At that time, I was just counting pills. I’m like, no, that just seems too boring,” Jitesh admitted. But the more he explored the field, the more he saw opportunities beyond the counter. “You can go into corporate, clinical, or open your own independent pharmacy. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I was always intrigued by the possibilities. I just stuck to it and it definitely worked out well.”
Nisha’s story began with heartbreak. “When I was ten years old, my grandfather passed away from a medication error,” she shared. “We were really close. I asked my parents, who knows about medications and how to help people? And they said, a pharmacist. So from that moment, I decided that’s what I wanted to do.”
Jitesh grew up visiting his father’s pharmacy every Saturday, watching him interact with patients and doctors. “My father still works in the pharmacy,” he said. “He started our independent pharmacy in 1980, and the community knows him really well. Growing up, I saw what he did and the relationships he had, especially with the doctor next door. They were best friends. That stuck with me.”
Initially, pharmacy seemed limiting. “At that time, I was just counting pills. I’m like, no, that just seems too boring,” Jitesh admitted. But the more he explored the field, the more he saw opportunities beyond the counter. “You can go into corporate, clinical, or open your own independent pharmacy. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I was always intrigued by the possibilities. I just stuck to it and it definitely worked out well.”
Nisha’s story began with heartbreak. “When I was ten years old, my grandfather passed away from a medication error,” she shared. “We were really close. I asked my parents, who knows about medications and how to help people? And they said, a pharmacist. So from that moment, I decided that’s what I wanted to do.”
The Power of Purpose
Together, Jitesh and Nisha now own four independent pharmacies in Southern California: Wilmington Pharmacy, West Alondra Pharmacy, Lynwood Pharmacy, and Whittier Community Pharmacy. While each location serves a unique population, they all operate with the same philosophy: to be a trusted presence in the lives of their patients.
“We like to see our community healthy,” Jitesh said. “We like to make sure our community takes the medications their doctor wants them to take. Whether it’s free delivery, coordinating appointment schedules, or simply convincing a patient to get vaccinated, we build relationships. They trust us, and that trust leads to better health.”
As pharmacy deserts grow and access becomes harder, Jitesh and Nisha continue to meet patients where they are. Wilmington Pharmacy has partnered with Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital to provide bedside delivery services before patients are discharged. “Our pharmacists go over all the medication therapy,” Nisha explained. “We review the diagnosis and confirm it’s the right treatment plan. We make sure they leave the hospital with answers.”
Their team also brings care into the community through health fairs, educational events, and vaccinations. “There’s no other pharmacy within a two-mile radius,” said Nisha. “A lot of our patients use public transportation and don’t have easy access to care. Being here for them is extremely helpful in preventing the spread of disease.”
Listening, Learning, Leading
Beyond their clinical services, Jitesh and Nisha make time for what matters most: meaningful conversations. “When you just give a patient their medications and ask if they have questions, they usually say no,” said Jitesh. “But when you take them to a room and ask, ‘How does this medication make you feel?’ you get real answers. You would never have gotten that at the counter.”
Each of their pharmacies has a consultation area where patients can schedule one-on-one time with a pharmacist. They partner with organizations like LA Care to offer similar services to patients outside their network, looking at the whole person and not just the prescription.
That mindset extends into the workplace too. Nisha describes her leadership style as rooted in service. “I engage as a servant leader. Our team knows we’re all here to support the community and each other. If I need to attend my child’s performance, someone will come in early to open the store, and I’ll cover for them when they need it. That’s how we maintain balance.”
And according to Jitesh, their team is the key to every success. “We are nothing without our team. I bring the big-picture idea, but they implement it and make it real. This job isn’t something we do for recognition. We do it because we enjoy taking care of our community. But being recognized, it means a lot. We’re grateful for it.”
Looking Toward the Future
Pharmacy today is filled with uncertainty. Reimbursement challenges. Pharmacy closures. Increasing demands. But Jitesh and Nisha remain optimistic and active.
“The most unfortunate challenge is trying to take care of a patient and not even being made whole,” Jitesh said. “That just makes no sense. You want to keep the doors open, but you can only do so much at a loss. Hopefully real change is coming. The eyes are opening.”
Jitesh is a past president of the Indian Pharmacy Association and regularly advocates for legislative change. “This is our future. If there is no future in pharmacy, what am I going to be able to do for my family? I attend events, call elected officials, invite them into the pharmacy. The more involved you are, the better you feel. You know you’re making your profession better for future generations.”
Innovation also drives their next steps. From telemedicine to remote patient monitoring, Jitesh and Nisha are exploring how to bring the future of pharmacy to their patients in ways that feel personal. “If we can do anything to keep a patient healthier and out of the hospital, we want to be part of that,” said Jitesh. “We are ready.”
A Well-Deserved Honor
The Dan Moudry MVP Award celebrates pharmacists who embody excellence, leadership, and community spirit, just as Dan did during his time on the IPC Board and in his own pharmacy. Jitesh and Nisha reflect those values in every interaction.
“We’ve really been doing the best we can in our community and supporting our patients,” said Nisha. “And IPC has helped us leverage that ability. Being honored and recognized lets us know that the work we’re doing matters. That means a lot.”
To Jitesh and Nisha and the entire Wilmington Pharmacy team: thank you for leading with your hearts. You show us what it means to serve, to adapt, and to keep fighting for the future of independent pharmacy.
