Clicks Group opens in-store pharmacies in Swaziland

The three pharmacies, which comprise dispensaries and clinics, are in Mbabane's Swazi Plaza and Manzini's Bhunu Mall, which have both been revamped, and The Gables in Ezulwini, where a new store has been opened. Each store has a new layout, décor and the specific configuration unique to every Clicks store, as well as a pharmacy incorporating a dispensary and clinic.

Kneale said the revamping of the two stores and the new store was part of the retail group's medium-term goal where Clicks aims to have 500 stores with pharmacies. The group already has a footprint of over 380 stores, with 270 in-store dispensaries. It is the company's vision to operate a dispensary and clinic in every Clicks store, he said.

Primary health services provided

The new pharmacies will provide an array of primary health services to Clicks customers. In all three stores, customers will be able to make an appointment to see a resident nursing practitioner who will offer a clinic service that includes mother and baby services; family planning; vaccinations and injections; and HIV counseling and testing. Customers would also be able to use their Clicks Clubcard when paying for medicine

Kneale said the pharmacies would employ Swazi citizens and residents and the Clicks Group would continue its work to develop pharmacy skills in the region.

"Continued professional development and support of the pharmacy profession is close to our hearts at Clicks," he said. "Our pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and nursing practitioners are encouraged to continuously update and improve their skills, and training remains a critical cornerstone of our operation."

The health and beauty chain opened its first store in South Africa in 1968 but only expanded its interest into pharmacies when long-awaited regulatory reforms were finally introduced in 2003. Clicks opened its first pharmacy in Cape Town in 2004. It is still opening pharmacies in its existing stores in South Africa.