A store front in Riverfront Square Plaza that had previously been empty will now serve as an independent pharmacy to residents.

The Niles Wellcare Pharmacy officially opened its doors last week. The business is owned and managed by Sandip Patel, of Granger.
The full-service pharmacy offers over the counter medications for people, as well as vitamins, herbal supplements and medical supplies. The pharmacy also offers free blood pressure checks and diabetes screenings. People can also pick up prescriptions for their cats and dogs.
Patel said he was drawn to the 2,000-square-foot location at 70 E. Main St., due to its close proximity to the Niles-Lakeland Hospital. For those without transportation, Patel said he hopes the location will provide easy access to patients nearby.
“A lot of doctors’ offices are also by the hospital, so if anybody does not have transportation they can walk and come here,” Patel said.
Patel transformed the empty space, painting the walls a sunny yellow and creating shelves stocked with non-prescription medicines for varying ailments.
Though Patel lives in Granger, he is no stranger to the Niles-Buchanan area. For more than a decade, Patel has served in area pharmacies, including the Buchanan Rite Aide for eight years and the Niles Walmart.
Patel was born in India, in the city of Unjha, which is located in the state of Gujarat.
He first became interested in the field, while following in the footsteps of his sister, who is a pharmacist in India. Patel began his pharmacy studies in India. At the age of 22, he moved to London, where he finished his pharmaceutical studies, Patel said. He then moved to the U.S., where he has lived for the past 11 years.
Patel said job opportunities drew him to the southwest Michigan area. He also liked the small-town aspect of the Niles-Buchanan area.
“I did not want to live in the big cities like Chicago,” Patel said. “The local area is very good, very safe.”
Patel will hire two full-time employees to help him operate the store. One employee has already been hired and he is searching for a second.
The business is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Deliveries are available. The store can also order needed medicines. Most forms of insurance are accepted.