Letter to the editor: Two sides to pharmacy story

The writer of the letter “Pharmacy closures a disgrace” (Feb. 20, TribLive) regarding the closure of pharmacies in Leechburg and Lower Burrell neglects to mention the other side of this story.

Currently, independent pharmacies lose money every day in order to continue to provide necessary services to their customers amidst the excessive profiteering of pharmacy benefit managers. As independents don’t have the luxury of guaranteed retirement income like many other professions, they must often deplete personal funds to keep their businesses afloat. This is not a sustainable business model, and eventually they are forced to sell.

The writer’s “don’t sign the deal” remark proves that he knows nothing about the rules that govern these buyouts. Namely, that the seller is not permitted to notify customers or employees as a condition of the sale.

I would suggest further reading by anyone who wants to know the complete story of this complicated issue. A good place to start: the article by Julia Maruca, “Here’s why pharmacies are on a financial precipice” (March 3, TribLive).

Judy Koll

Glenshaw