Chutney king starts new drug store Rikki Jai's best buy Sep 22, 2010
TRINIDAD EXPRESS - By Phoolo Danny-Maharaj South Bureau - Chutney King Rikki Jai has started a new venture in the pharmacy industry.
With Best Buy Drugs, Jai says he will bring the best prices, best service, best drugs and much more.
Located at Scott Street, San Fernando, the pharmacy is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays, but not on public holidays as yet.
With an entrepreneurial spirit and boundless energy and ideas, Jai is all set to make Best Buy the best pharmacy.
"I just wanted to diversify, spread my wings a bit, offer a service to people and at the same time generate income for my family and myself for later times," he says.
Jai, born Samraj Jaimungal, has been a champion in the chutney, chutney soca, and calypso arenas since his debut in 1988.
He has realised through the decades "the music business is seasonal and it's an up and down industry. Sometimes you are on top and sometimes down. With a wife and two children, I need to provide something more tangible for my family".
He thought about investing in food or the clothing business, "but my research suggested that there is a need for more pharmacies".
With a staff of eight qualified and capable people, including pharmacists, pharmaceutical technicians, his wife Shelly-Ann and himself, Jai said: "We have an open door policy and we go the extra mile for the customer."
Best Buy Drugs is dedicated to enhancing the patient experience, he added.
"We also have a weight machine, where you can come test your mass index, do pressure testing, cholesterol tests," said Jai.
More than that, he said: "We accept Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAPP) prescriptions. Patients can phone in their prescription, so they can collect at their convenience and there would be less waiting."
Furthermore, Best Buy Drugs might be the only pharmacy to have a private consultation area "where people can come in and discuss any of their concerns privately with the pharmacist". Secured parking is an advantage, Jai said: "We have an 18-car parking space, maybe the most for an individual small pharmacy in South."
Best Buy Drugs offers the traditional dispensing services and sales of medicine alongside a full range of enhanced pharmacy services.
There is also a mini-mart with some grocery items, stationery, and gift items.
"It's like a one stop shop in the same building," Jai added.
Above all this, Jai said he would match the price if an item at his pharmacy costs less at another pharmacy.
"If you come to my store and tell me you can get this same product at a lower price at another pharmacy, I will match the price after verification."
He plans to introduce a loyal customer programme soon.
The loyal customer would enjoy special discounts.
"My drug store is computerised, so I am aware of the customers and it would be easy to see who is the most loyal customer."
Jai continues to tour with other artistes and works on air at 101FM Radio Massala.
