One of Binghamton Area's Last Independent Pharmacies Closes

Another independent pharmacy in the Southern Tier has gone out of business.

Pharmacist Jaysukh Lalkiya said the Apalachin Pharmacy opened in 1958. It closed on Tuesday.

Lalkiya had operated the business on Route 434 in Apalachin for 28 years. The pharmacy operation has been sold to CVS and prescription files will move to that company's store in West Corners.

The now-closed Apalachin Pharmacy on March 29, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Lalkiya said he and his wife Kinna made the tough decision to close as "insurance headaches" continued to increase. He said the Medicare and Medicaid fees were hurting the business more than competition from chain pharmacies.

The pharmacist said his customers were "very sad" when they learned the business was being shut down.

Signs at the entrance to Apalachin Pharmacy on March 29, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Over the years, the Lalkiyas contacted federal and state lawmakers to make them aware of the growing challenges independent pharmacies were facing.

Senator Charles Schumer - who now is the U.S. Senate majority leader - once held a news conference at the Apalachin Pharmacy to discuss legislation designed to help such small businesses.

Lalkiya said while the pharmacy has closed, he and his wife will continue to operate the UPS Store franchise in the same building. A gift shop at the location also remains open.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

15 Iconic Retail Stores That Don't Exist Anymore (But We Totally Miss Shopping At)

See How School Cafeteria Meals Have Changed Over the Past 100 Years

Using government and news reports, Stacker has traced the history of cafeteria meals from their inception to the present day, with data from news and government reports. Read on to see how various legal acts, food trends, and budget cuts have changed what kids are getting on their trays.

LOOK: Oldest Disneyland Rides From 1955 to Today

Stacker, set out to compile a definitive list of every Disneyland attraction you can enjoy today and ranked them by their age. Using real-time data from Touring Plans, Disney archives, and historical news releases and reviews, our list starts with exciting recent park additions and stretches back to the oldest opening-day classics. This list focuses on the original Disneyland Park, so you will not see any rides from its neighboring California Adventure located just across the promenade. Read on to discover the oldest Disneyland rides you can still ride today.

LOOK: The most famous actress born the same year as you

Many of the actresses in this story not only made a name for themselves through their collection of iconic performances, but also through the selfless, philanthropic nature with which many of them approached their stardom. In an age of flipping the script on societal norms, many of these actresses are using their voices and platforms to be advocates for those who are otherwise unheard.

Categories: Articles