FONDA — Montgomery County is proud to recognize The Medicine Shoppe, located at 30 Canal St. in Fort Plain, as April’s Small Business of the Month. The location has operated as a pharmacy since the 1800s and was purchased by Bhupen Patel, R.Ph., and his wife, Gita Patel, R.Ph., in 2001, when it was renamed The Medicine Shoppe.
The pharmacy has become a cornerstone of healthcare in the area, offering personalized service and demonstrating a strong commitment to the well-being of residents in Fort Plain and neighboring communities. Services include immunizations, medication therapy management, multi-dose packaging, and health screenings. The pharmacy also provides free home delivery on Tuesdays and Fridays to patients within a 10-mile radius.
Bhupen, a first-generation business owner, said he knew as early as seventh grade that he wanted to be self-employed. He moved from India to New York to pursue a career in pharmacy.
“We are honored to be recognized as Montgomery County’s Small Business of the Month,” he said. “Our mission has always been to provide personalized, high-quality pharmacy care to our community. This acknowledgment reinforces our commitment to the health and well-being of Fort Plain residents.”
In addition to its pharmacy services, The Medicine Shoppe also rents and sells transport chairs and carries a variety of walkers to assist those with mobility challenges.
Montgomery County Executive Pete Vroman praised the pharmacy’s long-standing community presence.
“The Medicine Shoppe exemplifies the impact that small businesses have on our communities,” Vroman said. “Their dedication to personalized care is unmatched, making them a vital asset to Fort Plain and Montgomery County as a whole. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.”
Director of the Montgomery County Business Development Center Ken Rose, added, “Recognizing The Medicine Shoppe highlights the importance of small businesses in our county’s economic and social fabric. Their dedication to service and community engagement sets a standard for others to follow.”
The Medicine Shoppe serves approximately 1,500 customers per month, with most patrons coming from Fort Plain, Nelliston, Canajoharie and St. Johnsville.
Bhupen is known for recognizing most of his customers by name. He and his staff go out of their way to help every person as much as they can—whether it’s answering a question or finding the right product to meet their needs.
To learn more about The Medicine Shoppe, visit their website, https://fortplain.medicineshoppe.com/contact.
The Small Business of the Month initiative honors Montgomery County businesses that are making a difference in the community. To nominate a business for next month’s recognition, contact the Montgomery County Business Development Center at 518-853-8334 or email vnicosia2@co.montgomery.ny.us with a brief note about the company’s positive impact. Nominations can also be submitted by tagging the business on the Business Development Center’s Facebook or Instagram accounts.
Photo Caption (below): From left, Bhupen Patel, R.Ph., Industrial Development Agency Treasurer Cheryl Reese, Montgomery County Executive Pete Vroman, and Director of Program Development Vincenzo Nicosia at The Medicine Shoppe in Fort Plain, recognized as Montgomery County’s April Small Business of the Month.
ABOUT MCBDC
Montgomery County Business Development Center (MCBDC) provides professional economic development assistance to businesses interested in expanding or relocating to Montgomery County. It offers real estate solutions, financial assistance, and incentives, as well as business development and technical assistance. MCBDC acts as the county’s Department of Economic Development, & Planning, the Industrial Development Agency, and Capital Resource Corporation. To learn more visit www.MontgomeryCountyWorks.com.