The Essential Care Phar-macy has expanded its operations by adding a mini-doctor’s clinic and lab as part of several new services at its newly-opened location on Mandela Avenue.
Apart from the doctor’s clinic and lab, proprietor of the business Deonarine Etwaroo says the entity is geared to provide free health counselling to its customers.
In addition, services, such as physiotherapy and body massaging, are expected in the near future.
“Today, I am happy to extend a hand of service to this community from Essential Care Pharmacy in Diamond to our new location here on Mandela Avenue,” Etwaroo said at the launch yesterday.
“With my 25 years of experience in this field, I take great pleasure in serving this nation to the best of my ability,” he added.
Also present at the ceremony were Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton as well as Mayor Hamilton Green.
Both men applauded the efforts of the Etwaroo family.
Norton particularly emphasised the free health counselling being offered as he raised the issue of Guyana being dubbed the “suicide capital of the world.”
“Nothing was more pleasing to me than when I heard that a counselling service is going to be provided free of cost,” said the Minister.
He explained that most persons who were successful in their suicide attempt would have had a failed first attempt. He reported that it is between the first attempt and the successful attempt that the person would have had no access to the necessary counselling.
Another point raised by Norton was that of the quality of the drugs being sold by Essential Care, which he emphasised as he made reference to the names of different pharmaceutical brands that were visible on the main entrance of the building. Norton stated that the quality of the medication prescribed is as equally important as the treatment received. As a result, he commended Etwaroo for having his business being associated with brands such as Johnson & Johnson and Allergan.
It seemed to be more of a sentimental moment for Mayor Green, who along with his wife had previously owned the Mandela Avenue property. “Those who know my wife and this area would realise that what we see here is a fulfillment of our dreams,” the Mayor told the small gathering.
“When we surrendered the property, we had several offers. However, it wasn’t about the money so when Deo came along, he may not know it, but we had him fully checked out and he passed with 99.9%,” he related.
“These days, we see big businesses going up all over the place. However, it is small businesses like these that provide the stimulus for young people to look at and admire. I know the Etwaroos have enhanced the environment,” Mayor Green added.
As with most opening ceremonies, the traditional cutting of the red ribbon had to be done, and with the help of both Minister Norton and Mayor Green, the Etwaroo family declared the new venture officially open for business.
The Mandela Avenue location is the second branch for the Essential Care pharmacy, after its Diamond branch and its head office in Alberttown.
