Sai Chalasani wants to be your neighborhood pharmacist.
And he just might be soon. Chalasani is the pharmacist and manager of Hancock Pharmacy VI, a new shop that just opened at 95 Wakelee Ave. in Ansonia.
Valley Indy: Is Hancock an independent pharmacy?
Chalasani: We are a small independently owned chain. We are located in Bridgeport, New Haven, Waterbury and now here in Ansonia.
Valley Indy: What brings you to the Valley?
Chalasani: Most of the other pharmacies in this demographic area don’t deliver medication, but we will pick up prescriptions and deliver the medicine too.
Valley Indy: Why is that important?
Chalasani: You see the elderly and disabled have no help getting around so we can pick up the prescription from their homes or doctor’s office and drop off wherever they want us to.
Valley Indy: Where are you originally from?
Chalasani: I’m originally from India but I lived in Canada eight or nine years.
Valley Indy: Very cool. Why did you come back to the States?
Chalasani: I really liked Canada. I lived in Toronto but my family kept telling me to come back.
Valley Indy: Are you married and have a family?
Chalasani: Yes. I have a family. I have been married for 12 years and have two beautiful kids ages 10 and 6 years-old.
Valley Indy: Would you like your children to become pharmacists?
Chalasani: Maybe, if they want to. I would be glad if they did.
Valley Indy: What do you plan to do to stand out in this community as a neighborhood pharmacy?
Chalasani: I want to provide faster service. Sometimes if you go into larger pharmacies you have to wait up to an hour. I plan to have meds ready in about ten minutes. I also want to be courteous and patient.
Valley Indy: You said earlier that you are patient. How so?
Chalasani: Other pharmacists I have seen can be impatient when people are in pain. I am easy-going and helpful when there is a crisis and when a patient is sick.
Valley Indy: Will you be doing anything special for the cancer care patients across the street?
Chalasani: Yes, especially if they need to order any specialty products. We also supply bed pads, diapers, walkers, shower chairs, diabetic supplies and walking canes.
Valley Indy: Okay, now I’m going to throw some neighborhood-pharmacist questions for what to do when sick.
Chalasani: Okay.
Valley Indy: The common cold?
Chalasani: Tylenol Cold or Sudafed.
Valley Indy: The flu?
Chalasani: We have all the flu medicines but it’s important to stay home if you are sick, wash your hands each time you use the bathroom and drink lots of liquids.
Valley Indy: How about when a baby is sick?
Chalasani: Pedialite. But you have to watch so your kid is not dehydrated. Look to see if their tongue is parchy, like they are parched, and they will be dehydrated.
Valley Indy: What about a baby with colic?
Chalasani: Gripe water.
Valley Indy: Anything else you want to say?
Chalasani: We are a new pharmacy in the Valley with an attitude toward excellent customer service. We don’t want to be just your pharmacy; We want to be your companion on your health care journey.
Hancock Pharmacy VI is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
They can be reached at 203 – 734-8900 and [email protected] or by visiting their website.
