Manjinder “Manny” Singh, center, is joined by members of the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce, staff and community members during a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of Gridley Pharmacy in Gridley. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Two familiar faces stand behind the counter of the only privately owned medical dispensary in town, Gridley Pharmacy.

Gridley Pharmacy was brought to the community by Manjinder “Manny” Singh after the closure of Rite Aid Pharmacy last year.

Singh is no stranger to the world of prescriptions. His experience as a pharmacist has taken him to multiple locations throughout the area, with Singh most recently working at CVS in Gridley.

The pharmacist did his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis and attended North State University in Elk Grove for his pharmaceutical degrees. From there, he has worked in multiple locations throughout the area.

When Rite Aid closed, Gridley lost one of three pharmacies and one of two with drive-thru services. The remaining two, CVS and Safeway pharmacies, were hit with increased traffic and wait times.

Singh saw a need and rallied former college colleague Anthony Morales for assistance. Morales has served the Gridley area as a pharmacy technician for 34 years, and together the duo are a welcome sight to former customers.

Gridley Pharmacy officially opened its doors to the public in mid-January and has been quickly gaining notice in the community for its unique offerings and customer service.

“Right now, we are receiving a really great response from the community,” says Singh, who shared how thankful he is for the community’s support.

Gridley Pharmacy might not offer drive-thru pickup, but it does provide free delivery to customers in the Gridley, Biggs and Live Oak areas.

Singh says that he is excited to provide the community with more options when it comes to prescriptions and over-the-counter medicinal needs. As owner of Gridley Pharmacy, he cuts out the “middleman” and is often able to offer products to customers at a lower price than chain stores and larger pharmacies. He reminds the public that vaccinations are also available at Gridley Pharmacy.

In addition, Singh says that he can work with insurance companies in an effort to find solutions to high-cost prescriptions.

Meanwhile, Morales mans phones and aids in customer service, making deliveries to customers in the afternoons.

“We’re looking forward to how much we can grow and what else we can do for the community,” says Singh.

Gridley Pharmacy accepts most major insurance and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It can be reached at 530-456-6449.