Understanding Ramadan: Supporting your colleagues and patients

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide. This year Ramadan will commence on either the 11 or 12 March (depending on the sighting of the moon) and will last for a period of 29 to 30 days.

Many pharmacy staff and patients who are Muslims will observe a daily period of fasting during Ramadan starting at sunrise and ending at sunset during the month. This means total abstinence from food, drink (including water and medication) and smoking.

In order to support your colleagues and patients below are some links with useful information and resources:

• Pharmacy teams and Ramadan considerations | C+D Community (chemistanddruggist.co.uk)
• Fasting | RPS (rpharms.com)
• The Muslim Council of Britain MCB Ramadan Health guide.
• NHS England – Keeping patients with diabetes healthy during Ramadan
• Diabetes and Ramadan | Fasting | Diabetes UK
• Nutrition and Ramadan