Hometown News and Views

By Phyllis J. Neuberger

The right pill at the right price is the slogan of this new pharmacy in town, located at 1960 N. Federal Hwy. in Pompano Beach. Manager Cynthia Hershkowitz, sat down with The Pelican to talk about the business. “We took over an existing pharmacy in May of this year, cleaned it up until it is now an immaculate pharmacy, well stocked with a large inventory of over-the-counter medical products, and a newly added $1 section filled with a wide variety of kitchen, bath,  beauty, household and paper products. In addition, we also stock medical supplies such as bathroom safety items, canes, compression garments and more.”

She continued, “We have a second pharmacy at 799 E. Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton, both under the general management of Fahim Rahmani.  However, I’m the designated spokesperson who handles daily marketing, public relations, inventories and management of both stores. I’m back and forth throughout the week. The stores aren’t that far apart. and I’m an old hand in this business.”

 With a pleasant smile, she says, “I’ve been in retail pharmaceutical business for 28 years, mostly in the Boca area. I walked into a pharmacy looking for a job when I was a young girl. I was hired as a cashier and kept working my way up the management ladder until I now handle every aspect of a retail pharmacy.”

Stocking two stores enables The Right Pill Pharmacies to be very competitive with the large national chains as customers are finding out. Hershkowitz points out, “We can offer something that they can’t and that’s fast, personalized service. If a customer wants something we do not stock, we will get it within 24 hours.  Our suppliers are very accommodating.”

Asked for other examples of personalized service, she says, “Customers seldom have to wait to get a prescription filled here by our pharmacist, Mathew Pendergrast, who is very knowledgeable about medical interactions, over the counter products, vitamins, and nutritional supplements. He’s a great resource and he makes the time to share information with the customer.  Customers aren’t told to come back later. We work with people to make sure they get the medication they need even if they have temporary financial or insurance difficulties.”

This new pharmacy considers itself to be a very competitive discount outlet, offering  a number of promotions such as free delivery, free antibiotics and $15 off of new transferred prescriptions. The Friends and Family Program rewards existing customers for referrals. The Pompano store has an intern to assist the pharmacist.  Hershkowitz adds, “We’re rapidly building our reputation and already have a growing group of repeating customers.”

Roberta Kistner is one.  She says, “They’re wonderful. I found them by accident and decided to try them. Unlike the big chains that make you stand and wait or come back later, The Right Pill Pharmacy was very accommodating. They gave me immediate service and it was courteous service. They have up to the minute technology and old- fashioned courtesy. I would recommend them.”

Bonnie Swanson is another loyal patron who says, “I think they’re great. I’m dealing with an illness that requires a lot of paper work which the big drug chains are unwilling to be bothered with.  They have helped me with all of this and other pharmaceutical needs. They call me when I need refills and even to see how I am. For people, like me, who appreciate a little personal TLC, I suggest The Right Pill Pharmacy.”

Hershkowitz says, “It’s not easy opening a new pharmacy in South Florida because pharmacies have a tarnished reputation due to the number of pill mills that were flourishing here.  We are the new kids in town and we want it known that we maintain the highest standards dictated by the governing agencies in this profession.  Our state has given us the tools on a web site to identify potential abusers of pharmacies and we use those tools where indicated.  We even have a sign out front saying that we don’t carry the obvious drugs found in pill mills, nor do we honor pill mill prescriptions.”

Open Mon. to Fri. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 10-3. Call 954-946-7904.

Boca store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Call 561-392-1515.

Photos by Phyllis:

1.   Cynthia Hershkowitz is the public relations, marketing, manager of the new The Right Pill Pharmacy at 1960 N. Federal Hwy. in Pompano Beach which promises personal service and discount prices.

2. . Sign in front of The Right Pill Pharmacy is there to keep pain pill seekers away. A new Florida web site helps pharmacies to identify potential prescription drug abusers.