A conversation with Muna Manji, owner of Campus Pharmacy

Cynthia Mitchell

Walk into Campus Pharmacy and you’ll likely see longtime owner Muna Manji behind the counter, filling prescriptions for students and Sandy Hill residents alike. Described by an IMAGE reader as an “interesting, generous person,” Mr. Manji is certainly that—taking time out of a busy Monday evening to speak with me about his life, what he enjoys most about being a pharmacist, and the future for Campus Pharmacy.

Born and raised in Tanzania, Mr. Manji travelled to England to begin his studies as a pharmacist. When asked why he decided on this career path, Mr. Manji had a succinct answer: because it involves science and math, two subjects he enjoyed. After graduating from the University of Bradford with a degree in pharmaceutical studies, he took a vacation to Canada which turned out to be one of those little life decisions that alters the trajectory of one’s life’s path. He ended up liking it here so much, he made the move to Canada a permanent one. First stop was Mississauga, and then Ottawa. As Mr. Manji puts it, “Ottawa was a little bit more relaxed than Mississauga.” Mississauga’s loss was Ottawa’s gain.

In 1994, Mr. Manji got word that Campus Pharmacy was up for sale. He put in an offer and has kept it a family-owned business ever since. Today, two of his nephews and one niece work with him, which adds another layer of reliability to the day-to-day tasks of running a small business. This leads to questions about the future of Campus Pharmacy, to which Mr. Manji answers he will retire someday, but not anytime soon. “I enjoy doing what I can and will put off retirement as long as I can.” When that day comes, his nephews and niece will take on running the pharmacy.

Throughout my chat with Mr. Manji, it was clear that what he enjoys most about his job is helping people. He relayed a story of a university student who was prescribed medication, but wasn’t keen on taking it, which led to a decline in the student’s health. By talking with the student and helping them understand how the medication would help, and not harm them, the student began taking their medication and their health improved. That student went on to graduate and to this day is still a customer of Campus Pharmacy.

Over his decades-long career as a pharmacist, Mr. Manji has countless stories like this one, such as knowing his patients’ medical histories and helping guide them along to better health outcomes. His passion for helping people extends beyond his work, as Campus Pharmacy has been a lead sponsor of the Sandy Hill Winter Carnival for several years. Mr. Manji is happy to sponsor this event, seeing it as a way to benefit the community that has been so supportive of his business over the years.

When asked if there was anything else he wanted to add to the people out there in Sandy Hill, Mr. Manji was quick to note that sometimes people think the pharmacy only serves students, which is not the case. Anyone in Ottawa, especially in Sandy Hill, is welcome to visit Campus Pharmacy. “We want to give a big welcome into the store to everyone in Sandy Hill.”

If you don’t already use Campus Pharmacy, consider supporting this local, welcoming, family-owned business that has been a mainstay in Sandy Hill for thirty plus years!

Campus Pharmacy is located at 100 Marie-Curie Private and is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.