Opening a medical store is a good business idea in India because medicines are always in demand. People need medicines for treatment, health care, and emergencies. But before you open a medical shop, you must know about the rules, degree requirements, and legal permissions. This will help you avoid problems in the future.
In this article, we will explain in simple words what qualifications are needed, what documents are important, and how you can start your own medical store.
Why Qualifications Are Needed
Medicines are not like other products such as clothes or food. They can affect a person’s health directly. If the wrong medicine is given or if medicines are stored in the wrong way, it can be dangerous.
That is why the Government of India has made strict rules for selling medicines. Only a qualified person with proper training and knowledge can handle and sell medicines. This ensures safety for customers and also helps in controlling the misuse of drugs.
Required Degree to Open a Medical Store
To open a medical store in India, you generally need one of the following qualifications:
- Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharma) – This is a 2-year diploma course after completing Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharma) – This is a 4-year degree course in pharmacy after Class 12 with science subjects.
- Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharma) – This is a postgraduate degree in pharmacy, but for opening a store, D. Pharma or B. Pharma is usually enough.
If you do not have any of these pharmacy qualifications, you can still open a store, but you must employ a registered pharmacist who has one of these degrees. This pharmacist will be responsible for handling medicines and maintaining records.
Registration with Pharmacy Council
A person with a D. Pharma or B. Pharma degree must register with the State Pharmacy Council. After registration, they get a “Pharmacist Registration Certificate.” This certificate is needed to apply for a medical shop license.
License Requirements
The main license needed to open a medical store is the Drug License, which is issued by the State Drug Control Department. There are two types of licenses:
- Retail Drug License (RDL) – For selling medicines directly to customers.
- Wholesale Drug License (WDL) – For selling medicines in bulk to retailers.
If you are opening a medical shop for the public, you will need the Retail Drug License.
Documents Required for Drug License
Here are some important documents you will need:
- Pharmacy degree or diploma certificate
- Pharmacist Registration Certificate from State Pharmacy Council
- Proof of premises (rent agreement or ownership papers)
- Blueprint or layout of the shop
- Proof of refrigerator for storing temperature-sensitive medicines
- Proof of storage facility
- Identity proof and address proof of owner
- Affidavit and other legal documents as required by the local authority
Rules for the Medical Store Premises
- The shop area must be at least 10 square meters for a retail store.
- For both retail and wholesale together, the minimum area required is 15 square meters.
- The store should have proper ventilation and clean surroundings.
- A refrigerator must be available for storing medicines like vaccines, insulin, etc.
- Medicines must be arranged properly to avoid mix-ups.
Steps to Open a Medical Store
- Get the required degree or hire a qualified pharmacist.
- Register with the State Pharmacy Council.
- Choose a suitable location for your shop with enough space.
- Prepare all the required documents.
- Apply for a Drug License from the State Drug Control Department.
- Set up the shop with shelves, storage, refrigerator, and computer for billing.
- Stock medicines from authorized distributors.
- Start operations after getting the license.
Important Tips
- Always buy medicines from authorized wholesalers.
- Keep proper records of medicines purchased and sold.
- Never sell prescription drugs without a valid doctor’s prescription.
- Check the expiry date of all medicines regularly.
- Follow all government rules to avoid penalties.
Conclusion
Opening a medical store can be a profitable business, but it also carries a big responsibility. You must have the required pharmacy degree or hire a qualified pharmacist, get the proper licenses, and follow all safety rules. Medicines save lives, so handling them with care and responsibility is very important. By following the right process and maintaining good practices, you can run a successful medical store and help your community stay healthy.
