Jul. 20—HENDERSON — Small businesses in Vance County have a new option for obtaining pharmaceutical assistance.

MakoRx held a ribbon-cutting on June 2, inaugurating a new pharmacy company offering affordable drug coverage to small business owners for their employees and families.

Participating in the ceremony were supporting organizations, including the city of Henderson, Medical Arts Pharmacy, Perry Memorial Library and the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Vinay Patel, who established the service, said MakoRx will provide prescription drugs, telehealth access to doctors via phone or video, in-office physical exams and lab work.

MakoRx Complete Care is designed for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Company literature points out that small businesses are unable to compete with national companies that offer higher wages and rich benefits. MakoRx offers "quality healthcare designed to help business owners stay competitive by providing much needed affordable coverage for their employees."

More than 300 drugs are available at no cost, no copay and no deductible until the annual coverage cap is reached. The medications include antibiotics, cholesterol management, mental health medications, birth control and many more.

Telehealth provides access to a doctor via phone or video 24 hours a day seven days a week.

The service provides an annual physical plus one additional in-office visit each year.

Labs accompanying the annual physical include complete blood count, a comprehensive metabolic panel, cholesterol, urine protein, diabetes screening and thyroid assessment.

A well-child examination is included plus one urgent care visit or physical exam for school, sports or camp.

A customer support call center is available Monday to Friday for the business executive team or employees.

MakoRx provides guided enrollment to help employees choose the best plan for them and manages all medical and pharmacy claims for covered services.

A welcome packet gives each employee all the information needed to make use of the program.

MakoRx is a subsidiary of Mako Medical Labs, which has corporate offices in Raleigh and a lab on Industry Drive in Henderson.