As the economy got worse, more and more companies are forced to withdraw the medical benefits they offer their employees. Because of this, people are hesitant to go to the doctor for checkups and only go to the hospital when they have no other choice left.
Despite this plus a hundred other odds to conquer, PHI Pharmacy, the island’s provider of quality medicines and supplies at affordable prices continues to survive and will be marking its 15th year of serving the island tomorrow.
“PHI has been affected by the crisis but remains resistant because despite the decrease in population, the medication needs of the people still exist and we are here to fill those needs,” Bruce Cohen, PHI Pharmacy owner/vice president told the Variety yesterday.
Rewind
Cohen recalls opening PHI inside the Commonwealth Health Center on July 29, 1996 with only two pharmacists and six staffers.
“We were fortunate to win a contract from the government and our location inside the hospital makes it easier for outpatients to get their prescriptions or over the counter medicine needs filled,” Cohen said.
Over the years, PHI opened the Dandan branch to cater to clients in the other part of the island, and eventually the Puerto Rico branch at the MH2 building to cater to clients from the southern part of the island.
Tomorrow, PHI will officially open its Kagman outlet inside the Joeten Store. PHI Pharmacy now has six pharmacists and almost 30 staffers, including a full time driver who delivers medicines and supplies to replenish the shelves in all the four PHI branches.
They have also expanded to wholesale medical supplies in addition to their retail services in all the outlets.
Cohen said people always refer to him as Mr. PHI or sometimes as doctor.
“People would often consult me about what medicines would work best on certain ailments when they meet me on the streets, and I’m always happy to offer them advice,” Cohen said.
He said that some people are just not comfortable to go near hospitals and pharmacies.
Recruiting qualified pharmacists has been the biggest hurdle that PHI Pharmacy has to conquer over the years.
Cohen said he recruits pharmacists from the Philippines as assistants here until they get their U.S. pharmacy licenses.
Products and services
PHI Pharmacy carries medicines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, quality medical supplies and a complete line of products for cough and cold, diabetes shop products, wound care, health and vitamins, durable medical supply, protein drinks, protein bars and dietary supplements, prescription medicines, medical office supplies, counseling, health care information and special requests clients make.
Living up to its name as “the pharmacy you can trust,” Cohen said making quality medicines and supplies accessible to everybody wherever they are is their main goal.
Cohen said PHI Pharmacy closely monitors its numbers and watches the course where they are headed under its board of directors.
“PHI Pharmacy is large enough to serve the needs of the population, but small enough to implement any adjustments and changes when necessary,” Cohen said.
PHI Pharmacy CHC outlet is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Joeten Dandan outlet opens from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, while the Marina Heights outlet opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
For inquiries, contact PHI Pharmacy CHC at 323-5000/01, PHI Joeten Dandan Center at 235-6170/72/74, and Puerto Rico MH2 outlet at 235-5100.{jcomments off}
