Sector information: pharmacy

There are different types of pharmacies, each with specific features and services. Here are some common types of pharmacies:

• Retail pharmacies: These are the regular pharmacies you often find in convenience stores or shopping malls. They dispense prescription drugs and also offer over-the-counter (OTC) medications and health products.
• Hospital Pharmacies: Work within hospitals and healthcare facilities to deliver medications to patients staying in the hospital. They also play a role in advising doctors on medication choices.
• Online pharmacies: Offer the ability to order medications online and have them delivered. They can offer both prescription and OTC medications.
• Compounding pharmacies: Specialize in custom drug compounding (compounding), such as preparing drugs without certain allergens or in customized dosages.
• Veterinary Pharmacies: Are focused on animal health and provide medications and health products for pets and livestock.
• Clinical pharmacies: Work with healthcare facilities and offer specialized pharmaceutical services, such as medication review, therapeutic management and education.
• Specialty pharmacies: specialize in dispensing drugs for complex and rare conditions. They can also manage biologics and drugs with limited distribution.
• Travel Pharmacies: Offer vaccinations, travel advice and medications needed by travelers going to specific regions.
• Pharmacies in healthcare facilities: Are located in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers or other healthcare facilities and focus on the medication needs of residents.
• Military Pharmacies: Serves military personnel and their families, providing specific services related to military health care needs.
• Organic Pharmacies: Specialize in organic and natural products, including homeopathic remedies and herbal supplements.
• Mental health pharmacies: Offer medications and services related to mental health, including antidepressants, antipsychotics and anxiety medications.
• Mail order pharmacies: Work remotely and have medications delivered directly to patients' homes.
• What to look out for when buying a pharmacy

When considering buying a pharmacy, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Here are some key considerations:

• Pharmacy Licenses and Regulation: Verify that the pharmacy has all necessary licenses and complies with pharmaceutical regulations. Make sure all licenses are up to date and that there are no pending legal issues.
• Client base and revenue patterns: Analyze the pharmacy's client base, including client size, diversity and loyalty. Understand turnover patterns and dependence on certain clients.
• Inventory management and vendor relations: Assess inventory management system and vendor relationships. Ensure effective medication inventory management systems and reliable suppliers are in place.
• Technology infrastructure: Examine the technology systems used for pharmacy management, including electronic health records, billing systems and inventory management tools. Ensure that these systems are efficient and secure.
• Staffing and expertise: Assess current staffing levels, including pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and administrative staff. Understand their qualifications, experience and commitment.