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Traditional Pharmacies in Taiwan are impacted by The National Health Insurance (NHI) program, Separation of Dispensing Practice bill and foreign pharmacy chain increasing in two decades. These effects lead traditional pharmacy transfers to a new business mode within combinative, franchised and convenience features. In addition, because the differences between pharmacy location, management and target customers which all brought the pharmacy need to raise the product selections. Moreover, multiple product lines, convenience and service are the most essential points for increasing customer loyalty. Therefore, most of pharmacies recently are trying to provide various product lines to engage customers. Contemporary drug store is not only supply medicine, but also supply Medical equipments, Maternal and infant supplies, Individual toiletries and Cosmetics for various markets. This business trend make pharmacy does not simply sell drugs but more as a friendly neighbor who cares everyone’s health related issues. Besides, products trends from “core to heal illness” change to “core to be healthy”, business mode from individual contribution move to strategic alliance, integrated resourcing in pharmacy management replaces the division labor in medical system. In brief, above modifications all examines pharmacist’s capability of engaging a whole new business mode and market strategy plan.
This study organized the management strategies into points as below for contemporary pharmacy and NHI pharmacy of drug store chains which could be referenced by pharmacist or pharmacy owner:
The performance and management of Regular chain is much better and easier than Voluntary chain, especially the benefits in product integration, joint procurement, education and training awareness, human resource management, information application and marketing integration. Thus, before increasing market share, the strategy of chain store should be considered cautiously.
Ideally education and training program with equitably promotion system will raise the elite’s loyalty further to boost the business performance.
Inventory management related to consumers demand instantaneity and control of valid product. Therefore, an organized logistics system and good consumer service affects consumers’ satisfaction.
Utilizing original advantages to build up a different and competitive strategy: To determine target market and apply unique advantage, then, develop the exclusive position that competitor is difficult to imitate which is also the management strategy need to be considered.
Professional NHI pharmacy should absorb more comprehensive medical knowledge, specialized image from pharmacist, control quality of medicine, able to provide continuous prescription drugs, supply perfect medical services.
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