Living the Platinum Rule & Providing Free Medications to the Underserved: Interview with Ritesh Shah, Founder of Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy

For Pharmacist Ritesh Shah, not much fuels him more than serving those in need. Twice named Pharmacist of the Year, he is constantly striving to do more to increase his impact. 

 

After tragically losing his sister during the pandemic, he was inspired to create Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy in NJ in her honor. Ritesh tells us that running the pharmacy is a family affair - he, his wife, and his children all volunteer time to keep the pharmacy running. Equally impressive, the charitable pharmacy is personally funded by Ritesh and his family, as well as donations from family and friends. 

 

Since opening in April 2022, they’ve provided more than $250,000 in free medications. Because Ritesh lives by the “Platinum Rule” - which he explains in the interview - he not only provides medications to patients, but also partners with other community organizations to help meet other basic needs of his patients - providing the help before they need to ask for it.

 

This is one of the most inspiring stories we’ve shared on our show, and it’s a can’t-miss! 

https://youtu.be/lE47w6AXXMs  

 

Learn more about Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy: https://rscprx.org

 

Connect with Ritesh Shah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritesh-shah-08998993/ 

 

You can also listen to the interview in podcast form:

 

Apple podcast link: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaking-of/id1549592446  

 

I Heart podcast link:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-speaking-of-76708275/#  

 

Spotify podcast link:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1g2LUGr0SzxbBmSHB3FHyL?si=PNO79sBOReGXQJu_CrsJEg

 

Topical time codes:

00:44 - Founding the pharmacy 

2:33 - Losing his sister

5:39 - Opening on Good Friday and the stars aligning

9:44 - Helping people in the community 

13:33 - 2x Pharmacist of the Year

15:55 - Saving a patient’s life

20:01 - The Golden Rule vs The Platinum Rule

24:24 - Community impact 

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Thanks to the following organization for supporting the Making Healthcare Work for You mission.

 

Informed Consulting works with insurance carriers, digital health companies, insurtech organizations, and venture capital firms to drive distribution solutions in the employee benefits ecosystem.

They help companies reach revenue potential, confidently navigate a complex ecosystem, and position benefit ecosystem innovations for more efficient growth.

 

Visit https://www.informed.llc to learn more.