In order to better serve the community, Newport Pharmacy, which is owned by Praveen Jampana and run by his wife, Praveena Sagi, recently moved. The drugstore moved into the location that The Medicine Shoppe had occupied at 48 Red Hill Court in Howe Twp., Newport, on December 16, 2024. For the family-run company, the shift represents a significant turning point.
Sagi remarked, “I’ve been searching for a better place.” Although I liked the previous location, I wanted more space. She clarified that although she had first looked for a space in Newport Square, the chance to occupy The Medicine Shoppe offered the perfect answer. They contacted me to inquire about my interest in taking over this location. It everything began at that point.
There are various benefits to the new location. Sagi stated that it is more noticeable. With a dentist’s office and a family practice nearby, as well as easy access to the interstate, I couldn’t ask for a better location. Additionally, parking is abundant, which was a problem at our former downtown location. A drive-through is another element of the new location that has revolutionized the shopping experience for patrons. They don’t even need to park and come inside during inclement weather. They can just pick up their prescription drugs by driving by.
Despite being successful in the end, the transfer wasn’t without difficulties. Sagi acknowledged that we had some difficulties. Because there are two completely different patient bases and IT platforms, it can be intimidating for anyone. Comcast and the internet had some technical problems, but now everything is working as it should.
PLAN FOR HEALTH GROUP At their new facility at 48 Red Hill Court, Newport, the team at Newport Pharmacy, which manager and pharmacist Praveena Sagi has referred to as her “four pillars,” comes together. Bill Zeiders, Lisa Schultz, Bella Fisk, Robbie Roshon, and Sagi are the team members (from left). (Photo by Paul E. Wyatt)Times of Perry County
Sagi and her staff put in a lot of effort to minimize disruptions so that consumers could have a flawless experience. We moved everything over the weekend so that we could open here on Monday after the Medicine Shop closed on a Friday night. There was no customer gap. Although it was difficult for us, it was successful.
The pharmacy’s new site has enabled service expansion in addition to better infrastructure. Sagi stated, “We’re concentrating more on the clinical side.” In addition to providing vaccinations and counseling, we are looking at the idea of setting up clinics where medical professionals can conduct consultations or make urgent appointments. Newport Pharmacy’s home delivery and pill packaging services have been valued by clients for a long time.
In order to satisfy the demands of the larger facility, staffing has been increased. Sagi stated, “We hired more people and kept a couple of employees from The Medicine Shoppe.” Five employees now work in the drugstore, compared to two at the former location. Sagi referred to her team as her “four pillars” to highlight their significance. Lisa Schultz, Bill Zeiders, Robbie Roshon, and Bella Fisk have all been amazing. I couldn’t do what I’m doing without them.
Sagi feels that Newport Pharmacy stands apart from corporate chains because of their emphasis on individualized attention. It’s too hectic for retail pharmacies to spend time conversing with patients. Here, our goal is to learn about people and comprehend their needs. We want patients to feel as though they can call us for anything, not just prescription drugs.
Sagi thanked the locals for their assistance during the relocation. Noting that multiple customers helped with the transfer, she stated, “Our patients didn’t have to help, but they did.” She was especially grateful to Marcel Ernest and Joseph Dorman for their many hours of assistance with unloading and setting up the new venue. We consider some of our patients to be family. They come by to see how we’re doing, even if they don’t have any prescriptions.
Sagi is hopeful about the pharmacy’s future contribution to the community. The pharmacy is well-positioned to keep improving the lives of its clients because to its broadened offerings, committed staff, and dedication to individualized treatment.
Money isn’t the issue, Sagi stated. Helping others and witnessing their smiles is what it’s all about. It’s all worthwhile because of it.