Medicines are essential, but selling them is tightly regulated by the National Drug Authority (NDA) to protect public health.
Pharmacy vs drug shop
- Pharmacy: run by a registered pharmacist, can stock a wider range of medicines.
- Drug shop: run by qualified health workers such as nurses or clinical officers, limited to certain medicines.
Licensing
Apply for NDA premises licence and meet inspection standards. Requirements and fees change, so confirm with NDA.
Premises
Clean, secure, well lit, with proper shelving, storage temperature control and a dispensing area.
Stocking
Buy from licensed wholesalers only, track expiry dates and keep records.
Ethics
Dispense responsibly, counsel customers and refer serious cases to health facilities.
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