Went to try an drop off my prescription this afternoon (Fri May 14th 2021). Was told by the pharmacy tech in the drive through that my prescription I was dropping off at that time, would be filed by 7pm the same day. She preceeded to head back to process the order.
15 min after she takes my prescription, she then heads back to the window to inform me she won't be able to fill the order because they were out of stock. Not too bothered, I simply inquired when the prescription could be filled. She then replied that she couldn't give me a date.
She then preceeded to tell me that I should drive 10 miles to see if I can fill at another pharmacy. Convenience wise, I replied that I could not do that. I offered to drop my prescription off there until they are capable of filing.
She then stated she can't accept my prescription at this point. A little confused, I felt the need to speak to the pharmacist. She then told me that the pharmacist was on the phone, and would t be able to speak with me.
Even more confused, I informed her that I would come in to just speak to the pharmacist about the situation because I was now feeling "uncomfortable" about the situation. Miraculously, the pharmacist walked up to the window and snatched the phone from the pharmacy tech.
Even though she heard the entire conversation, the pharmacist asked me, "How may I help you"? I reiterated the situation directly to the pharmacist.
The pharmacist replied, we don't have this medication and we can't fill your prescription. I then replied, "Well, when can this prescription be filled"? At this point, she's is irritated with me and tells me that she will not fill this prescription because she can see I've previously filled this prescription in the past with another pharmacy and that I need to go and fill it with them. "Your Prefered" pharmacy as she called it.
I kindly told her, ma'am, I no longer go to that pharmacy for personal reasons.
The pharmacy then put my ID card, and prescription in the window and said I will not fill it because it is a "narcotic".
I kindly asked her how do I escalate this matter? Because I now feel this is discrimination (in some sort). I asked for the managers name, but she refused to give me the managers name.
Not leaving at this point because no matter what's going on, I need names now, because I am going to file complaints as high as this needs to go. Store pharmacist (Phuong) then told me that the store managers name is (Ahmed Abou-El-Seoud).
Usually I wouldn't complain, not everyone has the resources/time to travel outside their "residential" area to do these things. Nor, is it necessary for a representative of a franchised company to discriminate in this manor.
I'm am not trying to use the race card, or the sensuality card here, but one can't help feel those are contributing factors when these customers who've come in right behind me, picked up the exact same medication I was trying to fill that they informed they did not have at that time.
Update: Walked in and spoke with the same Pharmacist in person, and she then preceeded to inform me that they have the discretion to fill this medication based on their feeling. She then told me that she didn't just tell me that she couldn't fill the prescription, but that I would have to wait. I asked her again when would that be? She then said, she couldn't tell me when.
Long story short, please use caution if you are a person of color, homosexual, etc. Trying to fill a controlled substance at this location, because based on how they "perceive" Your situation, they may or may not fill your prescription. "Discrimination" as I like to use it lightly. But don't take word for it, see for yourself! read more
