HealthPlus Pharmacy Group — Operations Plan
Store design and format, supply chain and procurement, technology infrastructure and the staffing model underpinning the pharmacy network.
Section 5 · Business Plan
Operations Plan
Store design and format, supply chain and procurement, technology infrastructure and the staffing model underpinning the pharmacy network.
5.1 Store Design and Format
HealthPlus stores will occupy 500–1,000 square metres of gross
lettable area, designed to maximise customer flow, product visibility,
and operational efficiency. The store layout follows a proven retail
pharmacy design philosophy:
| Zone | Area Allocation | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Dispensary | 15–20% | Prescription processing, chronic medication management, pharmacist consultations |
| Front Shop Health | 30–35% | OTC medicines, vitamins/supplements, first aid, medical devices |
| Beauty & Personal Care | 25–30% | Skincare, cosmetics, haircare, fragrance, grooming |
| Baby & Lifestyle | 10–15% | Baby products, childcare, wellness, general merchandise |
| Clinic | 5–8% | Nursing consultations, vaccinations, diagnostics |
| Back of House | 10–12% | Inventory storage, receiving, staff facilities, office |
Store fit-out will emphasise a modern, clinical aesthetic with warm
lighting, clear category signage, wide aisles (minimum 1.5 metres), and
dedicated consultation areas for pharmacist-patient interactions. The
dispensary is positioned at the rear of the store to maximise customer
exposure to front-shop merchandise, replicating the proven “pharmacy at
the back” model employed by both Clicks and Dis-Chem.
5.2 Supply Chain and Procurement
During Phase 1 (Years 1–2), HealthPlus will source inventory from
established pharmaceutical wholesalers including Alliance Healthcare,
Transpharm, and UPD (Clicks’ distribution arm is not available to
competitors). Wholesale procurement agreements will be structured to
secure competitive pricing through volume commitments and prompt payment
terms.
From Phase 3 (Year 3 onwards), the Company will establish a
centralised distribution centre to consolidate purchasing, improve
inventory management, reduce stock-outs, and enhance margin through
direct manufacturer relationships and bulk procurement. This backward
integration strategy mirrors the approach that has been central to both
Dis-Chem’s and Clicks’ margin expansion over the past decade.
Procurement Framework
- Branded prescription medicines: Procured from authorised
pharmaceutical wholesalers at SEP less applicable dispensing fee
margins - Generic medicines: Sourced from accredited generic manufacturers,
maximising generic substitution to improve margins - Front-shop products: Direct supply agreements with FMCG
manufacturers, beauty brand distributors, and health product
suppliers - Private label: Contract manufacturing agreements with accredited
local producers, with HealthPlus retaining brand ownership
5.3 Technology Infrastructure
The technology stack is designed to support scalable multi-store
operations, regulatory compliance, and data-driven decision-making:
- Point of Sale (POS): Cloud-based pharmacy POS system with
integrated dispensing module, medical scheme claiming, and real-time
inventory tracking - Inventory Management: Automated replenishment algorithms with
demand forecasting, safety stock optimisation, and supplier
integration - Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Centralised customer
database powering loyalty programme, personalised promotions, and
chronic medication reminders - E-Commerce Platform: Custom-built mobile application and web
platform with WhatsApp API integration for prescription
management - Financial Systems: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for
multi-store financial consolidation, budgeting, and management
reporting - Regulatory Compliance: Electronic dispensing records, controlled
substance tracking, and SAPC reporting capabilities
5.4 Staffing Model
Each store will be staffed according to a standardised organisational
structure, scaled based on store size and dispensary volume:
| Role | Headcount per Store | Annual Cost (ZAR) | Key Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store Manager | 1 | 480,000–600,000 | Retail management experience, BPharm preferred |
| Pharmacist (Responsible) | 1 | 600,000–780,000 | BPharm, SAPC registration, 3+ years experience |
| Pharmacist (Support) | 1–2 | 480,000–600,000 | BPharm, SAPC registration |
| Pharmacy Assistants | 3–4 | 180,000–240,000 | SAPC-registered post-basic or learner basic |
| Retail Sales Associates | 6–8 | 120,000–180,000 | Retail experience, product knowledge training |
| Clinic Nurse | 1 | 360,000–480,000 | SANC-registered, primary healthcare qualification |
| Admin/Cashiers | 3–4 | 120,000–156,000 | Cash handling, customer service training |
Corporate head office functions—including finance, human resources,
marketing, IT, and supply chain management—will be centralised, with
staffing scaled incrementally as the store network expands. Head office
headcount is projected at 12–15 FTEs by Year 3 and 20–25 FTEs by Year
5.
Confidential — this business plan is provided to prospective investors and lenders for evaluation purposes only and may not be reproduced or distributed without the written consent of HealthPlus Pharmacy Group (Pty) Ltd.