TCU students looking to fill prescriptions on campus will have to find another pharmacy.At the end of December, Thomas and Gay Peterson, who owned and operated the TCU Health Center pharmacy, retired, leaving it vacant.

The pharmacy has not yet been purchased, said Marilyn Hallam, assistant to the director of Health Services.

“We have spoken with companies and individuals to determine their interest in purchasing the pharmacy and contracting with the university,” Hallam said. “There was interest but nothing concrete.”

TCU is now exploring the possibility of operating the pharmacy on its own, making it the first time to be university-owned, Hallam said.

“We’re talking with the university about running it,” Hallam said. “But that would require a number of things, one of which is obtaining a license.”

Hallam said she is not sure how long this process could take because this is a new situation for the university and the pharmacy.

Laura Crawley, the assistant dean of campus life and health promotion, said she understands the issues this creates for students but does not know when the pharmacy will be back on campus.

“There has been no official timeline to restore those services,” Crawley said. “We just don’t have enough information.”

In the meantime, students can get their refills or new prescriptions filled at any other pharmacy that accepts their insurance.

Students with a co-pay can take their prescription cards to other pharmacies and pay the same price, Hallam said. However, those without a co-pay will find that the price of their medicine may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy.

Jeff Masters, a sophomore business major, was not aware of this change and he said he wished he had been notified before he made the trip to the Health Center.

“It’s an inconvenience because now I have to drive to a pharmacy,” Masters said. “I used to be able to just walk here.”

Crawley said the university is planning to make a formal statement to students about the lack of a pharmacy on campus.

Students can call the Health Center if they have any questions, although Hallam said the situation has been handled smoothly.

“Students have been pleasant and cooperative as we work with them,” Hallam said. “And we look forward to re-opening the Health Center pharmacy as soon as possible.