Pharmacy opens for Windhoek’s Okuryangava

FOLLOWING changes to licensing requirements, which limit doctors’ abilities to dispense medicine, two women, Grace Magwenzi and Marian Amoo, saw an opportunity to open a pharmacy in Okuryangava in Windhoek.

Although the two already own and manage a pharmacy in Windhoek West, they had difficulties obtaining finance in spite of a sound business plan, so they approached Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) for a loan.

Grace Magwenzi said: “We really struggled in the beginning, and it was a bit of a challenge when we started our business but now things are improving.”

Heike Smith, DBN Acting Head of Lending said: “In the past, doctors dispensed medication, so when a patient visited a doctor medication could often be obtained at the practice. The licensing requirements of the Medicines and Related Substance Act had the effect of reducing the number of doctors who dispense, and this created a gap in the health services environment for new pharmacies to open, and to fill subscriptions, within communities.”

“In light of this, the business plan that the bank received from the owners of Green Light was assessed as viable,” Smith said.

Magwenzi explained the benefits of the location, saying, “There is no pharmacy in Okuryangava, and the closest pharmacy is in Soweto and Lafrenz.”

She said that a pharmacy in Okuryangava would also be convenient as residents would not have to go far for their medical needs. Many common ailments such as colds and flu can be treated with over the counter medication provided by qualified pharmacists. This also reduces the cost of private health care.

According to Magwenzi, finance has been a drawback for the company. “It is always difficult for women, especially women from previously disadvantaged groups, to start up a business. There were always negative responses when applying for a loan.”

She said that getting the right location, closer to the target market, was also a problem, but locating it close to a major retail outlet increased the likelihood of success, as many residents would visit the pharmacy while they did their grocery shopping. Magwenzi went on to say that by staying open until 19h30 the pharmacy would be convenient for people who did not want to disrupt their working days, as well as for out-of-hours requirements for medication.

“The owners of Green Light clearly did their homework, understood the needs and possibilities of the location and, because of the obvious health benefits to the community and healthcare savings to individuals, DBN took a sense of satisfaction in this approval,” Smith said.