Pharmacy opens with community in mind

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — Independently owned and community minded, Sparta Pharmacy has opened its doors to the community.

Dr. Mickey Singh and Prahar Parikh are pharmacists and experienced owners with Sparta Pharmacy being one of four establishments that they own and manage with a hands-on approach focusing on the customer.

The owners have no association with the former Sparta Pharmacy located in Theatre Centre.

Located at 61 Sparta Ave. in a new building, Singh and Parikh chose the name Sparta Pharmacy for a reason.

“We are family operated and cater to community needs and believe we are filling a niche in Sparta," Singh said. "Our other locations, Long Valley Pharmacy and Hoboken Pharmacy, are named after the towns they are in also."

Utilizing high quality standards and service when filling prescriptions and specializing in unique products, Sparta Pharmacy offers something different then the popular chain stores, particularly when it comes to getting to know its customers and providing medication therapy management.

“Patient interaction is our priority. We learn extensive knowledge about our customers, not just what drugs they are taking, but what supplements also, which can be depleted by certain drugs,” Parikh said.

Chain stores have tremendous volume which can lead to long waits and errors, said Singh.

Sparta Pharmacy is a throw back to pharmacies years ago, when there was a more personal approach to customer service.

“And one of the misconceptions is we don’t accept insurance, we accept all. The larger chains like CVS and Walmart put their names on insurance cards, so people think they cannot come to us, but they can,” Singh said.

Transferring prescriptions to Sparta Pharmacy is an easy process.

“All you have to do is bring in the bottles and give us your name. We can even pick them up for you if you are not comfortable coming in,” said Parikh. “We will handle the entire transfer process, you don’t have to call your doctor or the pharmacy.”

Sparta Pharmacy carries 15 different kinds of probiotics and a wide range of exclusive vitamins including Now Foods and New Chapter, made with organic herbs and Now Foods.

Compounding meds for people and pets is another service offered.

With a soft opening in December and a grand opening on Feb. 7, the owners are thrilled with the reaction and warm welcome Sparta residents have given them.

“We try to make it a pleasant experience by offering prompt quality service and a personal approach,” said Parikh. “ Whoever comes to pick up a prescription, I try and be there, so if people have a question, I am available.”

Free delivery in Sparta, Andover and surrounding areas is available as well as tools such as texting and email.

Sparta Pharmacy is also attempting to help seniors with their prescription management. Singh and Parikh plan to involve the community and policy makers to create incentives and low costs for seniors.

“Our ultimate goal is the betterment of patients lives and to get to know each and every person that walks through that door personally," said Parikh. “I’m getting there.”

Sparta Pharmacy is located at 61 Sparta Ave.

For more information call 973-512-3131 or visit www.spartarx.com.