Meet Aishath Shafeega: From Cancer Survival to Leading Pharmacies After 26 Years at STO

Aishath Shafeega joined STO in 1999 as a Sales Representative, beginning a career marked by steady growth, resilience, and quiet strength. Rising through the ranks to become a manager overseeing pharmacy operations, she built her path through dedication and perseverance—even while facing one of life’s toughest battles. Diagnosed with breast cancer and surviving it in 2011, Aisha’s journey is not just one of professional achievement, but also personal triumph.

Then and Now

Aisha began her career at STO as a Sales Representative and later worked as a Pharmacy Representative at IGMH Pharmacy until 2009. In 2010, she was appointed In-Charge of the IGMH ER Pharmacy, before being transferred to Hulhumalé Pharmacy later that same year in the same role. After recovering from breast cancer in 2011, she returned to pharmacy work with renewed strength and dedication, continuing for another 12 years. She was eventually appointed as a Client Support Officer for prescription orders, and in 2022, she was promoted to Manager of the Malé Region.

Reflecting on the evolution of her role, Aisha notes the significant changes the pharmaceutical sector has seen over the past two and a half decades. When she first joined, digital systems were scarcely in use, and all prescriptions were handwritten. This, with the famously indecipherable handwriting associated with doctors and physicians, was something that made the job harder, as they were very difficult to understand, she says. 

“Now we receive computer-written prescriptions,” she says, and that this makes her job very easy.

Technology has also improved inventory management. In the early days, stock checks were done manually, and pharmacies had to send physical lists to the warehouse to confirm availability. Today, thanks to integrated systems, staff can instantly view stock levels across warehouses and pharmacies.

Sales to Management

Over her 26-year career at STO, Aisha has continually embraced new roles and responsibilities, and now manages more than 180 employees with exceptional skill, navigating a diverse range of challenges. A key difficulty she continues to face is ensuring customer satisfaction in the face of stock availability issues, delivery delays, and limited pharmacy space—all of which can affect service efficiency.

“One of the key challenges I faced was managing difficult clients who had specific demands or were dissatisfied with the service,” she shares. “I addressed these situations by actively listening to their concerns, empathising with their perspective, and working toward mutually beneficial solutions. I also maintained open and transparent communication throughout the process.”

They now take extra care to verify all details and ensure the validity and quantity limits are accurate before submission.

Personal Hardships and Company Support

Working conditions in the early 2000s were far from easy—pharmacy work was manual, qualified staffing was limited, and the industry remained largely male-dominated, with sometimes only four women present on the team. Still, Aisha recalls the experience as deeply valuable and rewarding.

In 2010, while living in Malé, she was transferred to Hulhumalé Pharmacy as the In-Charge. Commuting daily by ferry, she juggled long working hours with limited public infrastructure. 

“Despite the challenges, I adapted and continued my service with dedication,” she says.

However, the greatest challenge came the following year, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. “I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the STO management and team, who supported me throughout my treatment. The entire STO family stood by me during the most difficult six months of my life, and I am deeply grateful for their care and compassion,” she says with heartfelt appreciation.

After recovering, she returned to pharmacy work with unwavering determination and went on to serve another 12 years before moving to her current role as a Manager.

Work, Life, Fulfilment

Over the years, Aisha says her work at STO has been more than a job—it has been a journey of personal growth, purpose, and meaningful relationships. A respectful and supportive work culture, combined with a team that values flexibility and collaboration, has made a lasting impact on her.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with a positive, flexible, and collaborative team. STO promotes a healthy work-life balance, which allows us to find meaning in our work while also having time for our personal lives,” she shares.

Aisha finds deep fulfilment in her role, particularly in the opportunity to help people and form genuine bonds with customers—some of whom have become lasting friends. “The ability to make a positive difference in someone’s health journey is incredibly rewarding,” she says. With a commitment to continuous learning and adapting to the evolving pharmaceutical landscape, she believes that working in this field is both enriching and humbling.