The future of pharmacies in South Africa lies in sustainable expansion

PHARMACIES, especially ones in rural areas, are often the cornerstone of their communities.

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Beyond filling prescriptions, they provide medication, medical equipment, and counselling, sometimes serving as multi-service clinics in small towns and outlying areas.

When people cannot wait weeks for a doctor’s appointment, or need trusted advice, the local pharmacy is their first stop.

In many outlying areas, it is not just the most practical option, but often the only one. With the country’s high and rising burden of chronic disease, this role will only grow in importance.

The sector is indeed expanding. In just two years, 2020 and 2021, about 648 new community pharmacies opened across South Africa.

By 2021, the total number stood at roughly 3,580 outlets, and nearly 70% of these were independent rather than corporate-owned. That is over 2,000 small businesses carrying community healthcare.

But every pharmacy is also a business. Behind the scenes, owners are juggling supplier deliveries, unpredictable supply chain issues, negotiating credit terms, paying staff, and trying to keep overheads under control. Balancing that with the responsibility of keeping communities healthy makes pharmacy ownership uniquely challenging and uniquely important.

Why more pharmacies are needed