With the people in mind… D’Urban Street pharmacist refuses to hike prices amid COVID-19
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, April 25, 2020
Owner of Health Max Pharmacy, Steven Broodhagan is one of the business owners who refuses to hike prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since Guyana confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 11, many persons have flocked to various pharmacies across the country to purchase much-needed items such as sanitisers and vitamin supplements. Regrettably, some outlets sought to increase the cost of these items.
Broodhagen who is also a pharmacist told DPI that the inflation of prices was “not the way to go” since it puts a severe strain on the pockets of citizens.
“I intend during this pandemic to make my products reasonably affordable for everyone whether it is Vitamin C, Lysol or other necessities. My goal is to not seize an opportunity to make money on persons who are trying to survive this pandemic,” he explained.
“Yes, the pharmacy is a business and any business owner wants to make a profit but the establishment of any pharmacy is to help people,” Broodhagen posited.
The 31-year-old relayed that while he finds it challenging to procure some essential products at a reasonable price, he has been able to utilise his knowledge as a supplier to obtain these items without suffering any loss.
“It is still a struggle to get products especially Lysol which is scarce and even when you get these products it is very expensive. This might not change for the future but I am hoping for the better. We are managing and making it work.”
Located at 37 Joseph Pollydore Street, Georgetown, the pharmacy officially opened its doors earlier this year.
Its business hours are from 2pm to 8pm every day of the week. The pharmacist noted that from the hours of 4pm to 8pm most of his customers are nurses.
Copies of the health and safety guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are placed strategically at the entrance to ensure customers can read and be encouraged to follow them.
Broodhagen disclosed that the outlet will become a 24/7 entity once the pandemic is over.