The era during which large retail pharmacy chains flourished seems to be coming to an end, as major companies are conducting mass store closures, and customer satisfaction has reached all-time lows, with reports of long lines and frustrating experiences becoming more and more commonplace.
When local pharmacists, Vincent Catuogno and Victoria Pepsh, first recognized that the conditions within the neighborhood’s chain pharmacies were seriously deteriorating, they were upset. “We couldn’t provide the same level of service that we normally did,” Pepsh explained in an exclusive interview with the Canarsie Courier. It ultimately motivated them to recently open their own independent pharmacy: Basin Drugs, located at 2378 Ralph Avenue.
As second generation pharmacists and graduates of the rigorous pharmacy program at St. John’s University, their tremendous wealth of knowledge inspires great confidence in their patients, who trust them with all aspects of their health.
“When I feared I was pregnant after missing a birth control pill, I didn’t call my doctor. I actually called my pharmacist, Vincent,” one longtime customer shared. “He very patiently explained that my period could be late due to stress and other factors and recommended that I take an early-detection pregnancy test to confirm, which really put me at ease. That was like 20 years ago, and I still go to him with all my questions,” she said.
Considering that Catuogno was the Pharmacy Manager at Rite Aid on Mill Avenue for over 20 years, and that Pepsh worked there for 10 years, first as a student, and later as a pharmacist herself, the pair know the pharmacy industry inside out and understand the unique needs of the patients in their community. “We offer a more personalized experience,” Pepsh explained. “We know our customers by name, understand their unique health needs and can offer tailored advice on medications, health management and lifestyle. We also offer extended hours compared to larger chains, making it easier for customers to get the medications they need when they need them.”
Unlike many chain pharmacies, Basin Drugs is open seven days a week and offers patients the option of having their medications delivered right to their doors. Their pharmacy also offers pet medications, medication synchronization (which allows patients to fill all of their prescriptions at once), the ability to manage and refill prescriptions electronically, through their app, and blister packaging to help sort medications together by date and time. Patients can also receive their immunizations at Basin Drugs and can take advantage of a number of other convenient services like DMV vision exams, passport photos, notary, Western Union and much more.
To become a patient, please call (718) 513-6060, visit www.basindrugs.com or walk in: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Basin Drugs is proud to be “Your Neighborhood Pharmacists.” Bring in their advertisement featured in the Canarsie Courier to receive 10% off your bill.
