India has a huge population with increasing health problems such as infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, chronic illnesses, smoking-related disorders and lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes. In many communities, people visit the nearby medical store first for primary health care before going to a doctor. This makes community pharmacies an important part of the health care system.
A community pharmacist is responsible not only for dispensing medicines, but also for providing patient care services, awareness programs, early screening and health education.
Community Pharmacy is a professional setup as well as a business. Therefore, choosing the right site, proper space planning and an attractive design are essential for success.
Selection of Site
Even though community pharmacy is a profession, it also functions like a business. So selecting the right location is one of the most important decisions. A good site increases prescription flow and improves business; a poor site may lead to losses.
Before choosing a site, the pharmacist should survey the area:
- Population size
- Number of clinics and hospitals
- Number of existing medical stores
- General health needs of the community
Prescription flow usually comes from:
- Attached clinic
- Nearby clinics
- Nearby hospitals
- Floating prescriptions from walk-in customers
Suitable Locations for Opening a Pharmacy
1) Attached to a Clinic
This is the best site for opening a pharmacy. Benefits include:
- Regular prescription flow
- Better relationship with the doctor
- Higher chance of substitution when a brand is unavailable
- Patients often approach the pharmacist first for advice
2) Close to Clinics
Opening a pharmacy near multiple clinics in a colony or market area is also a good choice. Advantages:
- Good number of prescriptions
- Permission for brand substitution if needed
- Opportunity to provide counseling and health screening
- Increased OTC (over-the-counter) sales
3) Near a Hospital
Opening near government or private hospitals ensures high prescription flow. Points to consider:
- Need to stock many brands and varieties
- Low doctor–pharmacist interaction
- Substitution may not always be allowed
- Inventory cost will be higher
4) In a Busy Market
Busy markets attract large crowds, which means more walk-in customers. Key features:
- High floating prescriptions
- More sales of OTC products
- Need for good layout and customer amenities
- Long-term customer loyalty can grow business
5) Growing City Extensions
Newly developing residential areas are good locations. People prefer a nearby pharmacy for emergencies. Providing:
- A waiting area
- Counseling space
- Health screening services
…can increase customer trust and build strong business.
6) Near Railway or Bus Stations
These places have high movement of people. Common needs include medicines for:
- Diarrhea
- Cold and cough
- Body aches
- Travel sickness
These pharmacies mostly receive prescriptions for acute conditions and have good opportunity for OTC and generic sales.
Other Important Factors in Selecting a Site
- Adequate parking space
- Visibility from the main road
- Nearby traffic lights and footpaths
- Future expansion possibility
- Reasonable rent or lease terms
- Temperature control for sensitive medicines
- Separate storage for poisons and Schedule X medicines
Space Layout and Design
Modern customers expect quick service, good interior design and comfort. A well-planned pharmacy layout helps to:
- Attract more customers
- Increase sales
- Improve patient experience
- Use space efficiently
- Reduce staff workload
Main Types of Pharmacy Layouts
a) Prescription-Oriented Traditional Pharmacy
Common in India. Features:
- Small size (around 200 sq.ft)
- Cash counter near entrance
- Racks with salesman support
- Limited customer movement
- Basic service, no major amenities
b) Super Drug Store Design
Popular in Western countries. Features:
- Separate counters for prescriptions, cosmetics, baby care, gift items
- Large display area
- Back room for storage and goods collection
- Focus on customer attraction and increased sales
c) Pharmacy with Pharmaceutical Care Services
Designed for modern clinical services. Includes:
- Prescription counter
- Counseling area
- Health screening room
- Space for OTC items and toiletries
- Billing counter at entrance
Optimum Characteristics of a Good Pharmacy Design
- Light, professional wall colors
- Good lighting, ventilation or air-conditioning
- Pleasant fragrance or room freshener
- Customer waiting area with seating
- Reading materials like health magazines
- Clean washroom, drinking water facility
- Separate prescription and counseling areas
- Proper fixtures and shelving for medicine storage
Detailed Notes:
For PDF style full-color notes, open the complete study material below:
