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Did You Know? |
- South America's most renowned pharmacy chains are firmly embedded in their local markets, earning widespread trust and recognition. In Brazil, Drogasil and Droga Raia—both under the umbrella of
RD Saúde (Raia Drogasil)—rank among the largest, boasting thousands of locations nationwide. Pague Menos, another major Brazilian chain, is celebrated for its extensive reach and around-the-clock service
in many cities. In Argentina, Farmacity leads the way in pharmacy and health retail, particularly in urban centers like Buenos Aires. Farmacias Ahumada holds strong brand recognition in Chile, while
Farmatodo, originally from Venezuela, has successfully expanded into Colombia and other Latin American countries with its modern, self-service retail model. Collectively, these chains are transforming
the region’s pharmacy landscape through a blend of accessibility, innovation, and powerful local identity.
- Boots, dm-drogerie markt, and LloydsPharmacy rank among the most prominent and widely recognized pharmacy chains in Europe. Boots, originally established in the UK and now part of the Walgreens Boots Alliance,
maintains a strong presence throughout the UK and several other European markets. Germany’s dm-drogerie markt stands out as one of the continent’s largest and most trusted drugstore brands, renowned for its broad
range of health, wellness, and beauty products. Also headquartered in the UK, LloydsPharmacy operates thousands of outlets and plays a significant role in both physical and digital pharmacy services.
Other influential names shaping Europe’s pharmacy landscape include Rossmann in Germany, Apoteket AB in Sweden, and CityPharma in Paris—famed among travelers for its extensive product selection and
competitive pricing.
- Pharmacy has a rich and fascinating history filled with surprising facts and milestones. Its origins trace back to ancient Mesopotamia around 2600 BC, where medicinal recipes were etched on clay tablets.
The iconic “Rx” symbol, commonly seen on prescriptions, likely stems from the Latin word recipe meaning “take,” though some believe it has mystical roots in the ancient Egyptian Eye of Horus, a symbol of healing.
In 1886, Coca-Cola was invented by pharmacist John Pemberton as a medicinal tonic containing coca leaves and kola nuts. America’s first hospital pharmacy was established in 1752 at Pennsylvania Hospital in
Philadelphia, with Benjamin Franklin playing a pivotal role. England’s first official drug reference book, the Pharmacopoeia Londinensis, was published in 1618 to standardize apothecary practices. Today,
pharmacists do far more than dispense medication—they administer vaccines, manage chronic conditions, and, in some states, even prescribe treatments, making them vital pillars of modern healthcare.
- Asia is home to some of the most renowned pharmacy and health retail chains, with Watsons leading as the region’s largest, operating over 8,000 stores across 15 markets including China, Hong Kong, Singapore,
Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Guardian, also known as Mannings in certain regions, is another major chain with more than 1,700 outlets throughout Southeast Asia. In Japan, Tsuruha Drug stands out
with over $9.6 billion in annual sales, making it the top health and pharmaceutical retailer in the Asia-Pacific region as of 2021. Other noteworthy chains include Pharmacity in Vietnam, Kimia Farma and
Apotek K-24 in Indonesia, and Mercury Drug in the Philippines, all of which have established strong national footprints and growing regional influence.
- Japan’s pharmacy landscape is defined by several iconic chains that are celebrated for their accessibility, diverse product offerings, and strong appeal to both locals and visitors.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi—affectionately known as MatsuKiyo—leads the industry with nearly 1,900 stores nationwide, instantly recognizable by its bright yellow signage. Other key players include Tsuruha Drug,
with over 1,000 locations concentrated in northern and eastern Japan; Welcia, renowned for its 24-hour service and comprehensive health and wellness selection; and Sundrug, based in Tokyo, which operates
more than 1,000 outlets across the country. Cocokara Fine, part of the same corporate group as MatsuKiyo, further strengthens Japan’s retail pharmacy network with thousands of additional locations.
For a unique and eclectic shopping experience, Don Quijote—while not a conventional pharmacy—offers a lively pharmacy section within its sprawling discount stores, making it a must-visit for tourists
in search of deals on cosmetics, supplements, and everyday essentials.
- In China, JD Pharmacy, LBX Pharmacy (Laobaixing), and Yifeng Pharmacy stand out as the most prominent and widely recognized pharmacy chains. JD Pharmacy, operated by JD Health, is the country's largest
pharmaceutical retail channel, distinguished by its rapid expansion and seamless integration of e-commerce with healthcare services. Established in 2001, LBX Pharmacy is one of China's leading brick-and-mortar
chains, boasting over 7,000 stores across 22 provinces and offering a diverse mix of Western pharmaceuticals and traditional Chinese medicine. Yifeng Pharmacy, with a strong foothold in eastern and central
regions, is known for its broad product selection and steadily growing retail network. Together, these chains embody China’s dynamic pharmacy landscape, where digital innovation and traditional storefronts
increasingly converge to meet the nation’s rising healthcare needs.
- India’s pharmacy landscape is anchored by several prominent players, with Apollo Pharmacy leading the way through its vast nationwide network and trusted reputation for reliability and product variety.
MedPlus is another major force, combining an extensive chain of physical stores with a strong online presence. PharmEasy, which began as a purely digital platform, has swiftly scaled its footprint by acquiring
offline networks and now operates a hybrid model that blends e-commerce with in-person retail. Other influential brands include Netmeds, Tata 1mg (formerly 1mg), and SastaSundar, each contributing to the
modernization of India’s pharmaceutical industry by integrating traditional drugstore services with digital accessibility. Together, these companies are reshaping healthcare delivery across the country,
making quality medications more accessible, affordable, and consumer-friendly.
- Countries with the largest number of pharmacy stores tend to be those with high populations and strong healthcare infrastructures, with the United States leading globally with over 60,000 community pharmacies,
including major chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Japan follows with approximately 50,000 pharmacies, reflecting its commitment to accessible healthcare and preventive services. France and Germany
each host more than 20,000 pharmacies, supported by comprehensive national healthcare systems and strict regulations. Brazil also ranks high, with tens of thousands of pharmacies serving its large and
diverse population across both urban and rural areas.
- Despite having the world’s largest populations, China and India do not have the highest number of pharmacy stores due to a combination of structural, regulatory, and cultural factors. In both countries,
hospitals and clinics often dispense medications directly, reducing reliance on standalone pharmacies. Additionally, physician dispensing is common, especially in rural areas, where doctors both prescribe
and provide medications. Traditional medicine systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda further shape healthcare delivery, often operating outside conventional pharmacy models. Rural regions
also face infrastructure and economic barriers that limit pharmacy density, while in urban areas, the rapid rise of e-pharmacies—particularly in India—has shifted consumer behavior away from brick-and-mortar
stores. As a result, pharmacy access in China and India is shaped more by integrated and alternative healthcare systems than by retail pharmacy expansion.
- Independent pharmacy stores in the U.S. typically generate about $3.4 million in annual revenue, yielding a gross profit of roughly $748,000 before deducting expenses like rent, wages, and insurance.
After accounting for these operational costs, the average net profit ranges between $75,000 and $158,000 per year. Profitability varies widely based on factors such as location, competition, payer mix, and how efficiently
the pharmacy manages inventory and reimbursement rates, with some owners increasing earnings by operating multiple locations while others may struggle to stay afloat in more challenging markets.
- As of 2025, the U.S. states with the fewest number of pharmacies are typically rural and sparsely populated, including Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. These states not only have
limited pharmacy presence but also some of the highest rates of “pharmacy deserts,” where residents often face long travel distances—sometimes over 30 miles—to access medication. This shortage is largely attributed
to low population density, limited economic incentives for pharmacy operations, and the continued closure of small or independent locations, highlighting a growing disparity in healthcare access across regions.
- As of 2025, California has the largest number of pharmacy locations in the United States, leading with approximately 4,879 Express Scripts sites, 1,067 CVS Pharmacy stores, 504 Health Mart locations, and 257
Good Neighbor Pharmacy outlets. Florida follows closely, notably having around 788 Walgreens locations—the highest number for that chain nationwide. These figures reflect broader trends, with high-population states
like California, Florida, and Texas hosting the most pharmacies due to greater healthcare demand, urban density, and extensive medical infrastructure.
- Two of the oldest pharmacies still operating in the U.S. are Carl’s Drug in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and C.O. Bigelow in New York City.
- Carl’s Drug (Greencastle, Pennsylvania) - Founded in 1825, Carl’s Drug is the oldest continuously operating drug store in the U.S. It was established
by Adam B. Carl, who originally opened the pharmacy on South Carlisle Street in Greencastle. Over the years, the store moved locations within the borough but remained a staple of the community. The pharmacy has been passed
down through generations and continues to serve customers today.
- C.O. Bigelow (New York City) - Established in 1838, C.O. Bigelow began as The Village Apothecary Shop in Greenwich Village, founded by
Dr. Galen Hunter. In 1880, Clarence Otis Bigelow purchased the store and renamed it after himself. The pharmacy has served many famous customers, including Mark Twain, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Thomas Edison, who reportedly
used Bigelow’s balm to soothe burns while testing his light bulb prototype. The store remains a historic landmark and continues to operate in its original location.
- Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, The Old Pharmacy, Goldene Apotheke, Adler Pharmacy, and Concordia Pharmacy are the most oldest pharmacies in the world that are still in operation. These pharmacies are not just places
to buy medicine—they are living pieces of history, preserving centuries-old traditions while adapting to modern healthcare needs.
- Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy (Florence, Italy) – Established in 1221, this pharmacy was originally run by Dominican monks who created herbal remedies. It opened to the public in 1612, features 800-year-old recipes,
and still sells traditional products today. Located at Via della Scala, 16, this historic pharmacy is renowned for its beautifully preserved interiors, including frescoed ceilings and antique furnishings.
- The Old Pharmacy (Dubrovnik, Croatia) – Founded in 1317, the Old Pharmacy in Dubrovnik, Croatia, is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, dating back to 1317. this pharmacy is located within the Franciscan
Monastery and has been serving the community for centuries. Originally established as an in-house pharmacy for Franciscan friars, it later opened to the public, serving the entire town and beyond. Today, the pharmacy
still operates, offering traditional skincare products made using ancient Franciscan recipes.
- Goldene Apotheke (Trier, Germany) – Dating back to 1241, the Goldene Apotheke in Trier, Germany, is not widely documented under that name, but the Löwen-Apotheke appears to be the oldest pharmacy in Germany,
dating back to 1241. Located at Hauptmarkt 6, in the heart of Trier, and recognized as a cultural landmark, this pharmacy has been a cornerstone of German pharmaceutical history.
- Adler Pharmacy (Lviv, Ukraine) – Established in 1735, the Adler Pharmacy in Lviv, Ukraine, has remained operational and even features a museum showcasing historical pharmaceutical tools. This historic pharmacy
showcases pharmaceutical artifacts in a preserved drugstore setting.
- Concordia Pharmacy (Tallinn, Estonia) – This historic pharmacy is one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Northern Europe, dating back to 1422.
- As of 2025, Americans are projected to spend approximately $635 billion on medications, reflecting a continued rise in pharmaceutical expenditures driven by increased utilization, novel therapies, and chronic disease
management. However, this figure is slightly lower than the $806 billion spent in 2024, according to the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. Meanwhile, the U.S. pharmaceutical industry’s revenue is expected to
reach about $662 billion in 2025, with oncology drugs leading the market segment. These figures highlight the immense scale of the pharmaceutical economy and the growing role of innovative treatments in shaping both
spending and revenue trends.
- As of 2025, CVS Health stands as the dominant pharmacy chain in the United States, leading in both workforce size and profitability. With over 300,000 employees across its retail pharmacies, MinuteClinics, and
Aetna insurance division, CVS commands more than 25% of the nation’s prescription drug market and generates the highest revenue among its competitors. Its success is largely attributed to a vertically integrated business
model that unites retail operations, pharmacy benefit management (through Caremark), and health insurance services to optimize efficiency and earnings. While major players like Walgreens Boots Alliance, Cigna
(via Express Scripts), UnitedHealth Group (via Optum Rx), and Walmart also maintain substantial market shares and workforces, CVS consistently outpaces them across key metrics.
- CVS has faced a series of reputation challenges in recent years, ranging from long customer wait times and prescription delays to high employee turnover and walkouts linked to pharmacist burnout and staffing shortages.
It has also come under fire for inflating generic drug prices—sometimes by over 100 times the manufacturer’s cost—raising serious concerns about transparency and affordability. Additionally, billing and insurance processing
issues, as well as employee complaints about toxic work environments and poor corporate support, have contributed to a decline in public and employee trust, even as the company continues expanding its healthcare
services and digital initiatives.
- According to a Wall Street Journal investigation, CVS Health and Cigna charged insurance companies and patients over $6,600 per month for Gleevec prescriptions—despite the drug going generic in 2016 and being
available today for as little as $55 a month—resulting in prices that were more than 100 times higher than manufacturer costs. Across a wider range of specialty generic drugs, CVS and Cigna’s prices averaged at
least 24 times higher than the manufacturers’, while UnitedHealth Group’s prices were approximately 3.5 times as much. These significant markups have drawn criticism for undermining the affordability of generics
and raising concerns about the role of vertically integrated pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in inflating medication costs.
- In June 2015, CVS Health acquired Target’s pharmacy and clinic businesses for approximately $1.9 billion, gaining control of 1,672 pharmacies across 47 states that were rebranded as CVS/pharmacy and operated
as “store-within-a-store” locations. The deal also included 79 Target clinics, which were converted into CVS MinuteClinics, with plans to open up to 20 additional clinics within three years. This strategic
acquisition expanded CVS’s retail footprint into new markets such as Seattle, Denver, Portland, and Salt Lake City, bolstering its presence as the nation’s second-largest drugstore chain at the time.
- Pharmacies and drugstores have been around 2100 B.C. and Baghdad was home to some of the earliest
drugstores, dating as far back as the 8th century. Pennsylvania Hospital, which was considered as the first hospital pharmacy in America,
was founded in 1751 by Dr. Thomas Bond and Benjamin Franklin "to care for the sick-poor and insane who were wandering the streets of Philadelphia";
Benjamin Franklin can be considered as a founding father of pharmacy. In America, prior to early 1800s,
a pharmacist did not require to have a license. French immigrant Louis Dufilho Jr. of New Orleans became American’s first licensed pharmacist in 1816, he opened his
pharmacy in the French Quarter in 1823, making medicine and science accessible to a fast-growing city as it battled devastating disease.
- A search conducted by consumerreports.org with participants from 200 pharmacies throughout
the U.S. to get prices on a month’s supply of five generic blockbuster drugs, including Actos (pioglitazone), for diabetes;
Lexapro (escitalopram), an antidepressant;
Lipitor (atorvastatin), for high cholesterol;
Plavix (clopidogrel), a blood thinner; and
Singulair (montelukast), for asthma. As per the result, a whopping difference of 447 percent, between the highest-
and lowest-priced stores. The Costco and Healthwarehouse.com had very low prices, and CVS,
Rite Aid, and Target had the highest retail prices. Costco had the lowest retail prices and
CVS had the highest prices for five widely prescribed generics.
- In the United States, pharmacists and physicians are regulated as separate professions, and strict legal boundaries prevent pharmacists from forming business partnerships with doctors or offering them kickback payments, which would
violate federal anti-kickback laws. This separation is designed to uphold the principle of dispensing independence, ensuring that prescribing and dispensing functions remain distinct to protect patients from conflicts of interest and
promote ethical medical decision-making based solely on clinical need.
- In many Asian countries, especially in parts of East and Southeast Asia, physicians are permitted to both prescribe and dispense medications, a practice known as physician dispensing. This model is common in healthcare systems
where pharmacies are not always separate from clinics or hospitals. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the integration is even more pronounced—practitioners often diagnose, prescribe, and prepare herbal remedies themselves,
blending the roles of doctor and pharmacist into a single practice. This holistic approach is rooted in centuries of tradition and remains prevalent in countries like China, where both modern and traditional pharmacy practices
coexist within the healthcare system.
- According to the World Health Organization, there are indeed an estimated 2.6 million pharmacists and other pharmaceutical personnel globally. This figure includes not only licensed pharmacists but also pharmaceutical technicians
and assistants, reflecting the broad spectrum of professionals involved in medication management, distribution, and patient care across diverse healthcare systems. The number continues to grow as countries expand access to
healthcare and strengthen their pharmaceutical workforce to meet rising demands.
- Several U.S. pharmacy schools consistently produce the largest number of pharmacists each year, led by the University of Florida, which operates one of the country’s biggest Pharm.D. programs through multiple
campuses and a strong online platform. Midwestern University, with campuses in Chicago and Glendale, also graduates a high volume of pharmacy students annually, as does the University of Southern California (USC),
known for its prestigious private program. In Texas, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the University of Houston contribute significantly to the pharmacist workforce, while the University of Mississippi
and the University of Kentucky also rank among the top producers of Pharm.D. graduates. Together, these institutions form a major pipeline for the more than 12,000 pharmacy degrees awarded annually in the U.S.
- As of 2025, the U.S. pharmacist workforce is distributed across several key sectors. Approximately 113,000 pharmacists work in community pharmacy settings, with around 67,000 employed by pharmacy store chains and 46,000
in independent pharmacies. In addition, about 41,000 pharmacists are based in hospitals, where they play increasingly vital roles in clinical care. Another 21,000 pharmacists are employed in government, academic, industry,
and other specialized roles, contributing to research, regulation, education, and pharmaceutical innovation. This distribution reflects the diverse and evolving landscape of pharmacy practice across the country.
- Employment of pharmacists in the U.S. is projected to grow at a moderate pace—about 5% from 2023 to 2033—closely aligning with the average growth rate for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
However, more optimistic forecasts, such as those from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), suggest that demand could increase by as much as 19% to 29% by 2030. These higher projections take into account
trends like an aging population, expanding clinical responsibilities for pharmacists, and growing access to healthcare services that could drive greater need for pharmacy expertise, particularly in hospital, clinical, and
ambulatory care settings.
- Public trust in healthcare professionals remains high, with nurses leading at 76% of Americans rating their honesty and ethics as “high” or “very high,” followed by pharmacists at 57%, and
medical doctors at 53%, according to Gallup’s 2024 survey. Although these professions continue to be among the most trusted, the ratings for doctors and pharmacists have declined in recent years.
- As of 2025, there are over 313,000 pharmacists employed in the U.S., earning an average annual salary of approximately $151,000. While bonus data isn't consistently reported nationwide, a median bonus of $4,500 is a reasonable
estimate based on industry trends. Pharmacists typically work full-time, and an average of 43 hours per week aligns with standard expectations across various practice settings.
- As of 2025, pharmacist salaries show notable variation by geography and setting. Pharmacists in urban and suburban areas earn approximately $112,000, while those in rural pharmacies make slightly less, around $110,500.
Regionally, salaries range from about $104,000 in the Midwest to $115,500 in the Southwest, with the Northwest, Southeast, and Northeast falling in between. These differences reflect factors like cost of living, demand for
healthcare services, and workforce distribution across the U.S.
- There are approximately 182,000 pharmacy technicians working in retail pharmacies, earning an average annual salary of around $27,000. This widespread availability reflects the relatively low barrier to entry in the field,
which can influence compensation levels. However, wages can vary significantly depending on certification, experience, and geographic location, with urban and hospital settings often offering higher pay. Despite the modest earnings,
retail pharmacy technician roles are vital to healthcare delivery and often serve as stepping stones to more advanced positions, such as supervisory roles, licensed pharmacists, or careers in research and healthcare administration.
- Pharmacists in the U.S. make approximately 150 million clarifying phone calls to physicians each year, with the majority of these calls driven by drug-related concerns such as dosage, interactions, or contraindications.
The remainder typically stems from issues with handwritten prescriptions—including illegibility or missing details—and from prescription changes or rework tied to insurance eligibility, formulary restrictions, and similar
benefits coverage challenges. These communications play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and navigating the complexities of modern healthcare systems.
- Historically, aspiring pharmacists in the U.S. could pursue either a five-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BS Pharmacy) or a six-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). However, a major shift occurred around the year 2000,
when the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) implemented new standards that made the PharmD the sole entry-level degree for pharmacists. This change officially took effect on July 1, 2000, and since then,
U.S. pharmacy schools have exclusively offered the PharmD as the standard professional degree.
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