Faster growth for the Alphega Pharmacy network

12 December 2007

The 4th European Alphega Pharmacy Convention took place in Monte Carlo on 29 and 30 November with ’The future is now’ as its theme. More than 400 delegates took part in this event, mainly French, Italian and Spanish independent pharmacist members, together with top executives of international pharmaceutical manufacturers and the Executive Management of Alliance Boots and the Alliance Healthcare businesses. For the first time, pharmacists from the UK and the Czech Republic attended this European Convention.

The presentations and the contributions by the delegates concerned in particular the structural changes in the healthcare market, especially the best approach to allow the independent pharmacists to anticipate and make the most of the coming changes. The representatives of the pharmaceutical manufacturers stressed how important it was for them to develop partnerships with the major players in the distribution of healthcare products and services, particularly the wholesalers and the independent pharmacists.

Ornella Barra, Wholesale & Commercial Affairs Director of Alliance Boots and also founder of the European Pharmacists’ Forum (EPF), announced that the Alphega Pharmacy virtual chain will be launched in the UK and the Czech Republic during the first quarter of 2008. Tests are already under way, she said, to adapt the Alphega Pharmacy concept to the specifics of these markets. With regard to the current changes and their impact on pharmacy, Ornella Barra thought that it was in the interest of the independent pharmacists to organise, form groups and shift their role towards offering more services and innovation to consumers and patients. “Alphega Pharmacy aims to be an invaluable asset for independent pharmacists,” she added. “This unique virtual chain concept allows them to retain their independence whilst enjoying benefits in terms of product offering, buying power, training, marketing and communication tools, as well as a higher, stronger profile for their common brand.”

Alphega Pharmacy is a leading network of independent pharmacists in Europe with over 800 independent pharmacy members in France, Italy and Spain. Sponsored by Alliance Healthcare, Alphega Pharmacy is the benchmark brand for independent pharmacy in Europe and aims to develop rapidly into new countries and in its existing markets.

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