Medical Store License in India: Eligibility, Process, and Documents Required

Passionate about healthcare and interested in starting your own medical store in India? 

To open a medical store is a rewarding business, as it allows you to serve your society by providing essential medications and healthcare products. 

However, like any business, it requires careful planning and execution. 

In this article, we will guide you through the process of opening a medical store in India.

Types of Medical Stores

Before diving into the process of opening a medical store, it’s important to understand the different types of medical stores that exist. In India, there are mainly four types of medical stores:

• Retail Medical Stores: These are the most common types of medical stores, where individuals can purchase medicines and healthcare products directly.
• Franchise Medical Stores: These medical stores are usually part of a larger chain. These would be present pan India
• Hospital Medical Stores: It is the medical store that is opened inside the hospital premises to cater to the needs of its patients
• Township Medical Stores: These medical stores are opened to cater to the needs of people in villages and towns
  

Licence eligibility & qualifications for opening a medical store

There are certain qualifications you need to have in order to open a medical store license in India. These requirements may vary depending on the state or union territory you plan to establish the store. 

Usually, the following eligibilities are needed for opening a medical store:

• Educational qualification: You should have a minimum qualification of a Diploma in pharmacy (D.Pharm) or a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy (B.Pharm) from a recognized institution.
• Registered pharmacist: You need to be a registered pharmacist or hire a full-time pharmacist for your medical store with a degree or diploma in medical
• For wholesale business: The sale of the medicines should be made only in the presence of a registered pharmacist with one year of experience or a person with a four-year of experience as approved by the department of drug control.

Requirements for opening a medical store

In addition to the qualifications mentioned above, there are certain requirements you need to fulfill to open a medical store in India. These are :

• • Shop Location: Choose a suitable location for your medical store, considering accessibility, population, and proximity to healthcare facilities
  • Infrastructure: Ensure that your store has adequate space for storage, billing counter and proper ventilation
  • Stock of Medicines: Stock a wide range of medicines and healthcare products to meet the needs of your customers

Documents required for medical store registration

• Medical licence application
• Drug Licence deposited fee or challan of invoices
• Key plan for the premises
• The basis of possession of the premises
• Identity and address proof of owners or partners
• Ownership proof of premises
• Appointment letters of registered and employed pharmacists or competent personnel
• Affidavit of the full-time working registered pharmacists or competent person
• Non-conviction affidavit of proprietor, partners or directors under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary from state to state, so it is advisable to check with the respective State Drugs Control Department for the complete list of documents.

Other registrations required for opening a medical store

Apart from the documents needed and the basic requirements to open a medical store, there are several registrations you need to take care of.

Medical Licence

A medical licence is one of the major Licences required to operate a medical store. The medical store owner or the appointed pharmacists should be qualified pharmacists with a degree of B. Pharm or M. Pharm to secure a medical licence. 

Shop and Establishment Registration

As per the municipal rules of the respective state/area municipal corporation, all stores/shops must mandatorily obtain a registration under the respective state’s Shop and Establishment Act. 

GST Registration

Any business, including a medical store, requires a GST registration if the aggregate turnover of the business exceeds the threshold limit in a financial year as prescribed under the GST Act. 

Drug Licence

Since medical stores are involved in procuring and selling drugs, they will have to obtain a drug licence from the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) and State Drugs Standard Control Organisation (SDSCO). There are two types of medical store drug licences that need to obtain depending on the type of store:

• Retail drug Licence: The retail drug licence is required to operate a general chemist shop. This licence can be done only in the individual’s name who possesses a diploma or degree in pharmacy from a recognised university or institute.
• Wholesale drug Licence: The wholesale drug licence is given to medical stores dealing in the wholesale business of medicines and drugs. 

To Sum 

Opening a medical store in India requires careful planning, adherence to legal requirements, and a passion for serving the community. By understanding the different types of medical stores, and obtaining the necessary licences, you can start your successful journey in the healthcare industry.

Good luck with your new medical shop!

FAQs

What are the legal requirements for opening a medical store in India?

Here are the basic legal requirements to open a medical store in India.

How long does it take to obtain a medical store/shop Licence in India?

The time taken to obtain a medical shop Licence can vary depending on the state and the efficiency of the licensing authorities. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Can I open a medical store as a sole proprietor

Yes, you can open a medical store as a sole proprietor.

Can I open a medical store without a degree in medicine?

No, a minimum qualification of a diploma in pharmacy (D.Pharm) or a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy (B.Pharm) is required to open a medical store in India.

Are there any specific storage requirements for medications in a medical store?

Yes, medications should be stored under appropriate conditions as specified by the regulatory authorities. This includes maintaining suitable temperature and humidity levels and following proper storage guidelines.

Can I sell other healthcare products in my medical store?

Yes, along with medications, you can sell a wide range of healthcare products such as vitamins, supplements, personal care items, and first aid supplies.

Do I need to renew my medical shop licence and drug licence?

Yes, medical shop licences and drug licences need to be renewed periodically as per the regulations of the respective State Drugs Control Department.