The people of the Interlake Region can breathe a sigh of relief – their pharmacy needs will remain in good hands.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29th, 2009

Grand Medicine Pharmacy will be assuming ownership and operation of what was previously the Fisher Pharmacy in Hodgson, MB.

The greater Hodgson community and surrounding area was served in the past by former pharmacy owner Murvin Abas who conducted his retail pharmacy operation in Hodgson for more than 20 years. As a long time resident who also grew up in the Hodgson area, Abas was deeply invested in the care of the people who patronized his pharmacy. Residents rewarded his dedication with their loyalty. “I have wanted to move on to other life interests for some time now,” Abas related. “However, I care deeply about the people in this region. This is my home and I was not about to abandon my patrons unless I was confident they would be serviced by someone I trusted and someone willing to understand the entrenched needs of the communities I have served over the years. That was important to me.”

Enter Grand Medicine Health Pharmacy – the newest division of Grand Medicine Health Services.

No newcomer to the field of healthcare, Grand Medicine Health Services has been providing reliable pharmaceutical and healthcare services to rural and remote Manitoba communities for over a decade. In fact, Grand Medicine Health Services has been cited for remarkable best-practices resulting in a national industry award for Commitment to Care & Service in 2007. But it was not originally their intent to embark on this journey into the more retail marketplace.

“The circumstances in Hodgson provided us a unique opportunity,” said Halko. “We simply responded to Murvin’s invitation with the same philosophy that has guided our business in the 23 communities we already serve. Hodgson and the surrounding region deserve that same level of service.”

Abas could not agree more. “I am more than pleased to have the interest of Grand Medicine. They have an incredible track record in the industry and I know they care as deeply about both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal markets as I do. I respect them and I trust them.”

The new entity called Grand Medicine Pharmacy will open their doors Monday, June 1st. Grand Medicine Pharmacy will combine conventional pharmacy services, such as filling of prescriptions and counseling patients, but will also add another dimension in Pharmacy care by providing a full range of new services to assist patients in actively managing their prescription needs.

“We believe there is more than one path to good health,” said Grand Medicine Health Services Operations Manager Gail Halko. “We have been servicing the needs of the northern communities for over ten years now and have developed innovative processes to address individual patient needs.”

So what is it that makes Grand Medicine Pharmacy so well suited to this new role? Perhaps it is their ability to think outside the box to provide customized healthcare in a variety of situations. One thing is for sure though – they have definitely earned them a reputation as innovators focused on patient care.

As for Abas – he is ready to move on to his next life phase with great relief. “I know now I can rest easy. My commitment to the people who have kept me going is in good hands.”

For more information or to arrange further interviews please contact:

Deanie Kolybabi

e-mail: Deanie.lk @ gmail.com (no spaces)

Phone: 778-999-9141