Long before big-box drug stores were carved out on nearly every corner, neighborhoods trusted the pharmacist next door. The smile behind the counter provided customers with genuine attention and a personal touch – and even the occasional house call. When Matthew Roberts and Anula Thuruthikkara opened the doors to Macomb Pharmacy and Wellness more than three years ago, that nostalgia seemed to walk in with them.
“It ties into how we want to make lives happy and healthier, by either going to them or serving them when they come here,” says Matthew, whose dream it was to open his own business.
“We want to be different and make more personalized, more sincere relationships and get to know the community,” says Anula, a pharmacist for the past 25 years.
The family-owned pharmacy is ranked Best in Class and sits in the 20th percentile in the country for its Medicare Medication Therapy Management. Seniors can receive free delivery of their medications, whether at home or at a senior living facility. Matthew notes that the pharmacy works closely with several in the tri-county area, including Park Place Towers, Villa Bella, Mission Point, American House and Schoenherr Tower.
The pharmacy offers on-site and in-home vaccines – including flu shots, shingles, pneumonia and COVID-19 – and adherence monitoring, during which Anula discusses prescription refill needs, whether to continue medications and any possible nutrient depletions or drug interactions. The pharmacy goes a step further by even providing light grocery shopping for its home-bound customers or those without transportation.
In-store, they provide free blood pressure checks, free diabetes testing and also offer classes to help those who want to quit smoking. They travel all over the greater community to host vaccine clinics, most recently at the Michigan Veterans Foundation in Detroit, and are a fixture at many senior expos. Anula can even discuss making a switch of Medicare plans.
All of these amenities create a comfortable atmosphere for patients. Macomb Pharmacy and Wellness staff takes the time to get to know residents in the community who rely on them, offering one-on-one communication options and also coordinating with a patient’s doctor and insurance.
They provide yearly immunizations to children ages 5 and up, and offer antibiotic flavoring for prescriptions that little ones may not be very eager to take. Matthew and Anula also work with the University of Michigan pediatrics department to get needed medications sent to their pharmacy and delivered to local patients.
Macomb Pharmacy and Wellness strives to provide guidance and advice in a way that is both convenient and comprehensive. Throughout Mount Clemens and beyond, the pharmacy has a reputation of being knowledgeable, appreciated and trustworthy. Matthew and Anula understand that everyone’s healthcare needs are unique, and they are dedicated to ensuring that each customer receives the personalized care they need.
“We want to make our services easier to get, more affordable and improve everyone’s quality of life,” Matthew says. “To impact the community in the best way we can, that’s why we’re here – to be efficient and build relationships.” You can visit macombpharmacy.com for more information.
"We want to be different and make more personalized, more sincere relationships."