THE first consignment of British manufactured medicines has been exported to Iraq by a new Yorkshire pharma-ceuticals wholesaler and distributor set up to give Iraqi people access to high-quality treatments.

A combination of prescription and over-the-counter medicines widely available in the UK has been sent by CurePharma, of Thorp Arch Estate, near Wetherby, which receives support and advice from overseas trade specialist Chamber International.

CurePharma was launched by director, Mustafa Al-Shalechy, pictured, and business development manager, Ali Alshamari, to export British pharmaceutical and healthcare products to Iraq where many people cannot get access, or afford, adequate treatment for many chronic illnesses.

The initial consignment, sourced through a UK pharmaceuticals company, included antiplatelets, used to prevent cardiovascular disease and the common pain reliever paracetamol, worth about £50,000.