Key Findings
- 1How pharmacies are evolving from dispensaries to healthcare hubs — and the commercial opportunities this creates.
Overview
South Africa has over 4,000 pharmacies — more than three times the number of public clinics. Yet pharmacies remain underutilised as healthcare delivery points. This is changing, and the commercial opportunities are significant.
"This is changing, and the commercial opportunities are significant."
South Africa's doctor-to-patient ratio is 1:1,200 — telehealth could effectively triple specialist access.
Digital health infrastructure is no longer optional — it's the only path to equitable healthcare delivery.
The Pharmacy Transformation
Pharmacies are evolving from places that dispense medication to integrated healthcare access points offering:
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