Woolies, Netcare launch in-store pharmacy

24 Aug 2007

In partnership with the Netcare group, Woolworths launched its first in-store pharmacy this month in the Woolworths Foodmarket at the Lifestyle Centre in Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town. The Kloof Street pharmacy is part of a trial which will test the viability of the initiative, and a second pharmacy is scheduled to open shortly.

The dispensary will be stocked, staffed and operated by Netcare, while the area in front of the dispensary counter will be stocked by Woolworths with products that are an extension of their existing toiletries business.

Amanda Graham, who is heading up the project, explains: “We undertook an extensive selection process, following which we appointed the Netcare group, which is South Africa's largest healthcare company. They are widely recognised as the premium healthcare provider in South Africa and therefore they are an excellent partner for Woolworths.”

The aim is to provide customers with the convenience of a one-stop shop that includes a full-service pharmacy alongside their favourite food store. The Woolworths pharmacy offers a full range of prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines and supplements, as well as the advice of an experienced pharmacist.

Adds Graham, “We are very excited to be able to provide existing and potential customers with a convenient health and wellness destination from a name they trust. By targeting the discerning health customer with a preventative mindset, our pharmacy offer underpins and extends our existing good food strategy.”

The pharmacy will offer various levels of convenience: customers are able to fax prescriptions directly to the dispensary and can ask to receive repeat prescription reminders via SMS. In addition to being able to consult with health care professionals in a private consultation area, they are also able to consult Netcare's 24-hour Health-on-Line Call Centre at any time.