POTTSTOWN, PA — Professional Pharmacy at 920 N. Charlotte Street has a new owner, Pharmacist Lokesh Patel. As the back-to-school season and flu vaccinations draw near, Patel is ready for an active fall period. “We’re excited to welcome new and existing customers to one of the few independent pharmacies left in the region,” said Patel. “I decided to purchase this business because it has been serving the community for more than 40 years. In addition, we are much more than a pharmacy. We provide durable medical goods, employ an in-house respiratory therapist, and we are the only oxygen provider in the area — a great deal of our existing customers depend on us, and I feel that it’s very important to continue to serve the needs of this population, many of whom are elderly.”
Earlier this year, Professional Pharmacy was in the spotlight when its previous owner settled a $150,000 federal case over improper opioid dispensing and surrendered the pharmacy’s DEA registration. Addressing these past issues, Patel commented, “There were some missteps taken by the previous owners, but I felt it was imperative for this local pharmacy to remain open and provide affordable services and medications, especially during these times when many national chains are pulling out of neighborhoods.”
Patel, 39, graduated from Temple Pharmacy School and hails from Gujarat, India. He moved to Bucks County at 17 and began his career at Rite Aid while attending pharmacy school, eventually becoming a district manager. After a stint as a clinical pharmacist manager at Cigna, he returned to Rite Aid in 2020 before acquiring Professional Pharmacy in March.
Professional Pharmacy currently serves around 500 patients weekly and employs 20 staff members, including delivery drivers and warehouse workers. The pharmacy is contracted with all major insurance plans. Patel plans to continue offering and expanding services such as:
- Free local delivery of prescriptions
- Extensive selection of wound care products
- Respiratory care services (CPAP, BIPAP, supplemental oxygen)
- Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, lift chairs, home health care products)
- Access to immunization services
- Synchronization of patients’ prescription records and medication therapy
- Compliance packaging services in conjunction with long-term care facilities
- Weekly medication management for elderly patients
“Our goal is to continue to help our community, and whenever possible, make medications affordable and accessible,” Patel added. “To that end, we’ve partnered with an organization that helps offset the cost of co-pays for eligible patients. We’re determined to make a positive impact in this community.”
Under Patel’s leadership, Professional Pharmacy aims to remain a crucial resource for Pottstown residents, enhancing its services and commitment to community health.
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