More Than a Pill Dispenser: Why Pharmacy is a Critical Player in Primary Healthcare

There’s a quiet conversation that happens across pharmacy counters every day in South Africa.  

It’s not dramatic. There aren’t any beeping machines or waiting room tension. Just a quick chat. A check-in. A moment that often slips under the radar. 

But those moments matter. Because for many people, that conversation with their pharmacist might be the only healthcare interaction they’ll have all month. 

Beyond the Prescription: A Proactive Role 

At Dis-Chem, we believe that a pharmacist is one of the most under-recognised players in the delivery of primary healthcare services. 

They don’t just dispense medication. They can ask follow-up questions. They notice what goes unsaid. They have the opportunity to see some warning signs early – and can recommend a screening, a check-up, or a visit to a nurse or doctor. That interaction is often the entry point to where care often begins. And it starts with someone paying attention and making their time with a patient count. 

As Dr. Jessica Hamuy Blanco explains, “The pharmacist is often the most accessible healthcare professional – someone you can speak to for free, without an appointment. That kind of access, combined with their knowledge, is incredibly powerful when it comes to prevention and disease management.” 

Accessible. Approachable. Essential. 

And unlike most other healthcare professionals, pharmacists are accessible. There’s no need to book an appointment or pay a consultation fee. They’re right there when you walk in – ready to help, advise, and guide. For many people, especially in under-resourced areas, that accessibility makes all the difference. 

Pharmacists often see patients more frequently than doctors. “If someone’s on chronic treatment,” Dr. Jess notes, “they might only see a doctor twice a year – but they see their pharmacist every month. It’s a missed opportunity if pharmacists don’t ask follow-up questions or prompt regular health checks.” 

Intentional Care, Not Accidental Access 

But accessibility alone isn’t enough. It has to be matched with intention. 

That’s why we’re backing our pharmacists to step into this preventative role fully. We’re creating more opportunities for them to practice at the top of their scope. That includes expanding services within our dispensaries, giving pharmacists a more proactive role in advising patients, and scaling initiatives like preventative treatments – including HIV pre- and post-exposure medication. In some cases, pharmacists can now dispense these directly. 

“It’s a big step,” Dr. Jess adds. “Giving pharmacists the ability to dispense certain treatments without a prescription removes barriers and makes critical preventative care more accessible.” 

Building a Network of Preventative Care 

We’re also working to better integrate our clinics and pharmacies. So when someone comes in for a consultation, they leave with more than a script – they leave with support, clarity, and an action plan. Every interaction should be proactive – not just reactive. 

Building trust in pharmacists means recognising their expertise. As Dr. Jess puts it, “Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals. If we reduce them to just handing over meds, we’re not giving them – or our patients – the credit and care they deserve.” 

All of this is backed by training, ongoing development, and systems that help pharmacists connect more meaningfully with patients. Because healthcare is only effective when it’s delivered with knowledge, trust, and the right tools. 

Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Prevention 

Ultimately, we’re investing in a future where preventative care is the norm – not the exception. Where pharmacists are seen not just as medicine experts, but as healthcare advocates. Where every patient who walks into a Dis-Chem store knows someone’s paying attention. 

Because better health can start with something as simple as a conversation. A pharmacist who notices something early. And at Dis-Chem, we’re making sure those conversations happen – every single day.