Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
When you need a prescription filled or a refill on your favorite vitamins, it’s nice to be able to support a local small business like the Olivet Pharmacy. Chacko J. Puthen, a registered pharmacist, is available there to help with all of your medication and over-the-counter needs.
Puthen owns Olivet pharmacy in partnership with three other pharmacists. The group also owns two other pharmacies in the Detroit area.
Puthen is originally from India where he took his pharmaceutical training at the Gautham College of Pharmacy. He immigrated to Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and worked twelve years for Rite-Aid. In March of 2020, he opened the pharmacy on North Main Street in downtown Olivet. Puthen lives in Lansing.
“Here I can spend more time with the patients, which is what I really enjoy,” Puthen said. “We can do more for the customer and give more personal service than the chain pharmacies can.”
One of the main parts of his job, he explained, is doing a quick medical assessment of his customers in regard to their medications. He explains the possible side effects and how to take the medication correctly.
The pharmacy’s services include administering immunizations, such as flu, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines, and when available, they will offer the COVID-19 vaccine. Another special service offered is the dispensing of medications in blister packs, which can be especially helpful for seniors. This type of packaging can help those who might forget their daily doses, plus it’s easy to open. The medications are prepared by the proper dosage schedule in an easy-to-access package rather than the usual bottle.
They also hope to offer mobile immunizations, given in businesses and in schools for the staff in the future, depending on how long the pandemic lasts.
Olivet pharmacy offers free delivery of medications with fast and friendly service and short waiting periods. They carry a full line of over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and first aid supplies. The pharmacy accepts most insurance plans and will price match other stores.
They also offer a simple automatic prescription refill service and will contact your doctor, if needed, to authorize the prescription refill. Patients receive a text message reminder about the availability of their medications.
They currently are offering a gift card to new customers who transfer their prescriptions to Olivet Pharmacy. The card can be used in the pharmacy for over the counter items or in Olivet Hardware. Both businesses share the same building.
Olivet Pharmacy is located at 116 North Main Street and is open 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. You can email the pharmacy at olivetpharmacy1@gmail.com.
Puthen encourages people to contact him at any time if they have questions regarding their medications, at 269-280-5005.
