There are two main options.
The total number of pharmacies in the UK, registered with the GPhC currently stands at 14,072, with 4,232 different owners. Owners
of any registered pharmacy could choose to supply medicines over the internet, either as the sole method of supply, or provide a combination of face to face supply and internet supply. So there are a plethora of pharmacies out there which a budding young pharmacist could approach and ask to attach an online pharmacy business to. There would have to be some contractual arrangement here between the proprietor and the pharmacist.
The second option is to apply for a license. This is a bit more difficult and has start up costs of around £1,000 to get started with the GPhC. Also, do not underestimate the additional start up costs of:
There is a lot to consider here. Pharmacists need to ask themselves should they go for option 1 and be beholden to another pharmacist who could monitor the success of the internet pharmacy and take hold at a later date. Or would you go for option 2? This is riskier, more expensive but it will give you the freedom to run your own business on your own terms.
The total number of pharmacies in the UK, registered with the GPhC currently stands at 14,072, with 4,232 different owners. Owners
of any registered pharmacy could choose to supply medicines over the internet, either as the sole method of supply, or provide a combination of face to face supply and internet supply. So there are a plethora of pharmacies out there which a budding young pharmacist could approach and ask to attach an online pharmacy business to. There would have to be some contractual arrangement here between the proprietor and the pharmacist.
The second option is to apply for a license. This is a bit more difficult and has start up costs of around £1,000 to get started with the GPhC. Also, do not underestimate the additional start up costs of:
- Premises
- Stock
- Additional staffing
- Clinical governance arrangements
- Insurance
There is a lot to consider here. Pharmacists need to ask themselves should they go for option 1 and be beholden to another pharmacist who could monitor the success of the internet pharmacy and take hold at a later date. Or would you go for option 2? This is riskier, more expensive but it will give you the freedom to run your own business on your own terms.
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