Madill’s Drugs

Madill’s Drugs has been a community staple in Meadow Lake for nearly 89 years. The strong legacy was built by Harry and Emma Madill and is one of the oldest pharmacies in the province.

Managing partner, Ryan Haggerty assumed the business in 2016 and said the pharmacy continues to prioritize the needs of its customers and patients with the traditional value of people first.

“I wanted to build on the legacy of the Madill’s,” he said. “There’s a reason we kept the name, they made quite an impression on the community when they were here.”

According to Haggerty, Madill’s unique corporate structure operates with more autonomy compared to some corporate pharmacy models. Whether the community is in need of a specific medical product or service, Haggerty said his relationships with a range of product vendors ensures the community’s specific needs are served.

“We are able to custom order certain things and we’ll take the extra effort to find products for our customers, even if we can’t carry it,” he said. “In terms of product selection, we will bring in whatever we can get if there is enough demand for it.”

Haggerty takes pride in his ability to serve and support the community by selling local products and giftware through his support of local artisans.

“We often have local artists who want to sell their work here so we’ll support them by purchasing, let’s say, some prints from them and we’ll get it sold or someone local will have some giftware they’d like to sell and we do. We have a pretty vast and dynamic gift ware section and it’s always changing,” Haggerty said.

Madill’s carries gift products that are unique to the North and aims to carry Indigenous products where possible.

The store boasts the biggest cosmetic section in all of northern Saskatchewan, a large local giftware and toy section. With over 10,000 sq. ft. of retail and pharmacy space, customers are certain to find something unique at a great price.

“There’s a reason customers come into the store and I think it’s because of the service you get,” Haggerty said. “I make an effort to get to know everyone’s name. I know my patients not just by their medication list but by the personal connections created through trust.”

Pharmacy

Madill’s pharmacy can prescribe medications and treatments for a wide range of minor ailments. Haggerty said he often asks his patients to check with their pharmacist first before waiting hours in line at a walk in clinic.

“We’ll assess first whether a patient requires further medical attention before prescribing.  Due to a doctor shortage in the region, we’ve been leaned upon to help with things like allergies, acne, minor infections, or birth control we can prescribe without having to see your doctor,” he said.

The store is covered under Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and is able to accommodate the majority of Indigenous clients.

The pharmacy helps to keep over the counter medication costs low for patients with their Option+ brands which are of equivalent quality and manufactured in the same facility as most brand name pharmaceutical products.

Haggerty said the myth where generic brands are perceived to be lesser than its name brand comparison, however, Health Canada guidelines indicate generic medications offer the same benefits as their brand-name counterparts.

“We guarantee all of our Option+ products, if someone dissatisfied for whatever reason, we will accept a return, no questions asked.”

Haggerty’s business model “Care Before Commerce” allows him the flexibility and freedom to truly listen to the needs of the community. His priority will always be his customers.

“If we’re doing okay, it’s because we look after our customers. Our staff is mostly local and really go the extra mile to help them,” he said. “In turn, our customers are loyal and they come back…There’s a reason they shop here.”