To a layman, the difference is not very noticeable as both stores will provide medicine upon request. But in reality, the difference is huge if we consider patient safety, proper drug handling, and professional guidance.
What is a Medical Store?
It is not more than a shop keeping medicines and providing them to patients upon request. A medical store does not follow the rules & regulations required for medicine handling. Staff is not licensed and often misguide patients with wrong advice which is not safe for patients.
What is a Pharmacy?
A Pharmacy is a proper place where the patient can buy medicines with a doctor’s prescription. This prescription is then rechecked on the criteria of safe dosing by a licensed competent and responsible pharmacist on duty.
Once medicines are prepared it again rechecked by a second pharmacist. You will find medicines are properly stored and temperature monitored. A pharmacist also contacts your doctor if the medicine prescribed is not according to the safety.
| Fun fact: Do you know a pharmacy store in Norway is called Apotek. |
Medical Store & Pharmacy: Advantages and Disadvantages
With a medical store, there are some risks involved which are not faced with Pharmacy. It is important to choose where your medications are available
| Quality | Medical Store | Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Expertise | Not available | Strictly followed by ensuring the latest standards |
| Product Range | Health & Wellness items | Medications & health items |
| Prescription Requirement | Not required, prescription medications are sold without a prescription | Required for safe dispensing under the supervision of a pharmacist |
| Regulatory Compliance | Not met | Strictly followed by ensuring the latest standards |
| Professional Guidance | Not available | Licensed pharmacist available to guide on medications |
| Store of Medicines | No surety | Required for safe dispensing under the supervision of a pharmacist |
| Main Motive | Sales & Profits | Healthy safety with safe dispensing of medicines |
| Medication safety | Not ensured | Ensured |
| Health regulations | Not followed | Followed |
| Responsible Medication Use | No Guidance | Guidance available |
How a Pharmacy is regulated?
In every country, the Ministry of Health is the main body to regulate a pharmacy according to safe medication practices. The ministry also provides licenses to ensure proper guidelines & safe practices are followed by pharmacies and pharmacists.
This is the main reason why when you visit a pharmacy you will easily spot the following:
- Pharmacist’s Name
- Pharmacist’s Registration Certificate
- Pharmacy working hours with the pharmacist’s hours of attendance
When choosing a pharmacy, it’s a good idea to talk to the pharmacist. They are trained to know about medicines and can suggest the right one for you. They’ll also tell you how to use it correctly and give you advice on any precautions you should take.
What you should check before buying a medicine?
As a Pharmacist, we recommend you check the following things while buying medicine. A Pharmacist also guides you about these in a pharmacy.
- Active Ingredients
- Dosage Instructions
- Expiration Date
- Storage (Refrigeration Requirements)
- Prescription Requirement
- Possible Side Effects
- Warnings and Precautions
- Allergies
- Batch Number
- Manufacturer Information
- Packaging Integrity
Medical Store vs. Pharmacy: Understanding the Differences
The below infographic helps us to learn the key differences between medical stores and pharmacies so that safe and effective medication use is practised.
Final thoughts about the Difference between Medical Stores and Pharmacy
To summarize it is easy to understand a medical store is an unprofessional, unsafe and old way to sell and buy medicines. By choosing a pharmacy, you ensure access to qualified professionals (like Pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians) and safe medication practices.
