PIO delivers life-saving drug despite catastrophic flooding

Houston, Aug. 28: When a Texas hospital called to request a rare disease medication, an IndianAmerican CEO of a pharmacy firm got it shipped to Houston from Orlando by sending his employee to pick it up as all logistics company were unable to deliver overnight due to Hurricane Harvey.

Harish Katharani, founder and CEO of Southside Group of Companies, explained Impavido — only oral treatment drug used for critically ill patients with Leishmaniasis — costs about $49,000 and hence is not readily stocked by pharmacies. Mr Kathrani sent one of his employees to get the drug shipped to Texas Children’s Hospital in the midst of Harvey, the most powerful hurricane to hit the US mainland in 13 years.

In another incident, Medicare Advantage provider TexanPlus contacted Southside’s Texas Medical Centre to inquire if the firm could provide services to their patients during the hurricane weekend. Despite not being contracted by this health maintenance organisation, Southside readily volunteered to provide healthcare services to their patients during this crisis. TexanPlus circulated an internal memo letting their case workers know about Southside’s availability during Hurricane Harvey.

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston’s executive director Jagdip Ahluwalia said he was proud that one of their Chamber members was going above and beyond the call of duty to serve the community in this hour of need.

Southside is a pharmacist owned and operated company established in 1992. — PTI

HISTORIC rainfall in Houston, and all over Texas. Floods are unprecedented, and more rain coming. Spirit of the people is incredible. Thanks! (sic)

— DONALD TRUMP, US President