By Mark Rabago

DANDAN, Saipan — When PHI Pharmacy first opened its doors inside the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. in Saipan in 1996, it filled a critical void. At the time, there was no community pharmacy serving the public, and discharged hospital patients often struggled to access medications. PHI Pharmacy stepped in to serve both needs — operating as the outpatient pharmacy for CHCC patients while also functioning as the island’s first community pharmacy.

Almost 30 years later, PHI Pharmacy has grown into a trusted institution with three locations across Saipan, a workforce of nearly 30 professionals, and a mission that continues to blend patient care with community service. Dr. Joshua Wise, general manager of PHI Pharmacy, talks about its journey, challenges, and vision for the future.

What’s the history behind PHI Pharmacy? When was it established and where?

Joshua Wise: PHI Pharmacy was established in 1996, with our first location inside CHCC. At that time, we served a dual role: as an outpatient pharmacy for hospital patients and as the only community pharmacy for the public. From the beginning, we were positioned as a vital healthcare provider, ensuring patients — whether recently discharged or members of the broader community — had reliable access to essential medications and pharmacy care.

How many locations does PHI Pharmacy have now, and where are they located?

Wise: Today, PHI Pharmacy operates three branches on Saipan — in Dandan, Kagman, and Garapan. We strategically chose these village-based locations so residents across the island could conveniently access pharmacy services close to home.

What’s the mission of the company?

Wise: Our mission is simple but deeply rooted in service. We’re committed not only to providing essential healthcare services, but also to educating the community about safe medication use. Collaboration is a big part of our work — we partner with public health officials, schools, and local organizations to promote informed healthcare decisions.

We also invest in workforce development. By working with the Public School System, Northern Marianas College, and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, we help prepare students for careers in healthcare by offering mentorship and real-world pharmacy experience.

How many employees do you have?

Wise: Across our three locations, we have 29 employees. That includes pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, support staff, and administrators — all of whom play an important role in delivering consistent, compassionate care.

What services do you provide to help the community lower out-of-pocket costs in these hard economic times?

Wise: Affordability is a major focus for us. We’ve worked with drug manufacturers and claims processors to access programs that reduce patient copays and out-of-pocket expenses. These initiatives save our community more than $100,000 a year. On top of that, I’ve been working with the CNMI congressional office to advocate for inclusion in more national manufacturer-sponsored discount programs. We’ve also partnered with a local community provider to design customized pricing for uninsured patients, making sure even those without coverage can afford essential medications.

How did the company navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic?

Wise: The pandemic was one of the most challenging times in our history. The public health emergency declaration allowed us to provide presumptive medication coverage, which kept patients from going without prescriptions. But it also caused operational stress — like surges in volume and reimbursement delays.

We partnered with the Governor’s Office, the Division of Public Health, and other agencies to secure PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and high-demand medications. Those collaborations were critical to protecting our staff and maintaining continuity of care.

What makes PHI Pharmacy the best pharmacy in the CNMI, in your opinion?

Wise: We don’t see ourselves in competition with anyone. Instead, we focus on doing our best every day. What we strive for is consistency, compassion, and connection. Patients know they’ll be supported and cared for here — not just in emergencies, but throughout their health journey.

What are the challenges a company like PHI Pharmacy faces in a small-town setting like the NMI?

Wise: Logistics are always a hurdle. Everything has to be shipped here, which means higher freight costs, excise taxes, and longer wait times compared to stateside pharmacies that get daily deliveries. To avoid shortages, we need to carry more inventory, which affects cash flow.

Staffing is another challenge. Recruiting pharmacists and healthcare professionals to the islands isn’t easy, and that can limit expansion. Finally, many national healthcare programs don’t yet extend to the CNMI. We’re advocating to change that.

What are PHI Pharmacy’s plans for the future?

Wise: We’re focused on expanding services and integrating more technology to improve efficiency and patient experience. We also plan to introduce pharmacy services that have never been offered in the CNMI before. The idea is to raise the standard of care, not just by following mainland trends, but by tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of our community.