Medical Shop: In today’s world, the demand for medicines is constant and necessary, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. People all over the world search for nearby medical stores to meet their healthcare needs.
Have you ever considered the potential profitability of owning such a business or even starting a medical store of your own? It is likely that many of us have pondered the idea but have not conducted proper research.
Compared to other business startups, setting up a medical store requires relatively less financial investment. Additionally, there is a high demand for pharmaceutical aid in India due to the prevalence of various health issues among the population.
Fortunately, we can explore the process of starting a medical store in India step-by-step. By doing so, we can better understand the requirements and opportunities associated with this business venture.
Rules For Medical Shop In India
- Pharmacy License application form in the designated format.
- An Affidavit stating that proprietor/partners/directors have not been convicted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- Proof of depositing Drug License fees or Challan invoices.
- Government-based or official Identity Proof and passport-size photographs of the owner/partners of the medical store.
- Proof of the company’s constitution (Partnership Deed/MOA/AOA/Incorporation Certificate).
- Ownership proof of the premises (if the space is rented).
- Declaration form in the prescribed format.
- Key Plan or Blueprint for the premises.
- Site Plan Blueprint for the premises.
- A Covering Letter with the intent of the application, along with the name, signature, and designation of the applicant.
- The basis of possession of the premises.
- Appointment letters of registered and employed pharmacists or competent personnel.
- Affidavit of the full-time working competent person or the registered pharmacist.
Types of Medical Store
- Hospital medical store: A medical store located within a hospital that caters to the needs of patients who visit the hospital.
- Standalone medical store: The most common type of medical store, usually small or medium-sized and located in residential areas. Residents visit these stores to purchase essential medicines.
- Chain pharmacy or franchise outlets: Medical stores that are part of a chain or franchise with branches in different areas. These stores are typically located in malls or shopping complexes and are usually larger in size.
- Township medical stores: Medical stores located within a township that caters to the needs of the residents in the town or village.
- Stores in government premises: Medical stores that are opened under various government policies and schemes and are directly under government control. These stores are usually located inside government offices and buildings.
Requirements for Opening a Medical Store
- Area specifications: The area of the medical store must be a minimum of 10 square metres for a retail business and 15 square metres for a wholesale business.
- Storage facility: Medical stores must be equipped with an air conditioner or refrigerator, as some drugs such as insulin injections, vaccines, and sera, require storage in a controlled environment.
- Technical staff: Medical stores require technical staff as follows:
- For wholesale business: The sale of medicines must be made only in the presence of a registered pharmacist with at least one year of experience or a person with four years of experience as approved by the Department of Drug Control.
- For retail: The sale of medicines must be made in the presence of a registered pharmacist during working hours.
- Pharmacy Licence: Obtaining a Pharmacy License is a major requirement for opening a medical store. To be eligible for the license, the individual must hold a degree in B.Pharm or M.Pharm and be a qualified pharmacist.
Documents List Required for Registration of a Medical Store
- Pharmacy licence application.
- Deposited fee or challan invoices for drug licence.
- Key plan or blueprint for the premises.
- Proof of possession of the premises.
- Identity and address proof of owners or partners.
- Ownership proof of premises.
- Appointment letters of registered and employed pharmacists or competent personnel.
- Affidavit of the full-time working registered pharmacist or competent person.
- Non-conviction affidavit of proprietor, partners, or directors under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Eligibility For Retail Drugstores
- You need to have at least 10 square meters of space.
- If you want to open a wholesale pharmacy, you’ll need a minimum of 15 square meters of space.
- Your drugstore must also have an air conditioner and a refrigerator. This is important to keep the medicines in good condition.
- Both wholesale and retail pharmacies must have someone who knows about the pharmacy present at the store to sell medicines.
This person must meet one of the following qualifications:
- A pharmacy graduate with at least 1 year of experience in dealing with drugs.
- A registered pharmacist approved by the state pharmacy council.
- A Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) graduate with a minimum of 4 years of experience in dealing with drugs, approved by the Department of Drug Control.
Drug Licences Type
Before opening a medical shop, you need to fulfill the last legal requirement, which is registering for a drug license. Regardless of the turnover or size of the pharmacy, you must obtain a drug license from both the Central Drugs Standards Control Organization and the State Drugs Standard Control Organization. The two primary licenses they issue are:
- Retail Drug License: This license is required to operate a general chemist shop and requires a minimal fee to start operations. However, it’s important to note that only individuals who have obtained a degree or diploma in pharmacy from a university or institute listed with the authorities can carry out the registration process.
- Wholesale Drug License: If you plan to sell medicines in wholesale, you must obtain a license for the same. Unlike the Retail Drug License, the applicant for this license does not have to follow a specific set of rules and regulations. However, there are certain restrictions associated with obtaining this license.