THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia says it's examining "any possible implications" of the newly announced Woolworths partnership with SuperPharmacy (PD breaking news Fri).
The supermarket giant announced an extension of its relationship with SuperPharmacy, which will see the group's current stores rebranded as HealthyLife Pharmacy and an online presence providing a "wide range of pharmaceuticals and prescription medicines, fulfilled via eScript and led by HealthyLife Pharmacy pharmacist Warren Turner".
A Guild spokesperson confirmed the organisation had "contacted the pharmacy authorities in all jurisdictions across Australia to ensure this partnership meets all the State and Territory-based registration requirements that all pharmacies must comply with".
"We also note that the Federal Government, and all State and Territory Governments, have committed to the continuing support of the existing model of pharmacy," the Guild said.
"This model has proven over many years to be an effective, accessible, safe and reliable provider of health services to communities in all parts of Australia.
"It is protected by legislation at the federal and State and Territory levels," the spokesperson added, committing to keeping Guild members informed of developments on the issue.
Under the deal Woolworths Group's "independently operated health and wellness subsidiary, HealthyLife" will acquire key technology and warehouse assets and will in turn provide e-commerce, technology, branding, platform and warehouse services.
Six existing SuperPharmacy outlets in NSW, Vic, Qld, SA and WA will continue to be operated independently under the HealthyLife Pharmacy banner, while there will be an increased presence of the new brand online at healthylife.com.au, according to Woolworths HealthyLife Managing Director, Ananth Sarathy (pictured).
"HealthyLife will become a destination for all health and wellness needs," Sarathy said, with the offering including scripts, a wide range of health, wellness and beauty products, and "access to health advice from trusted health professionals and services such as telehealth consultations and a wide range of complementary health programs".
SuperPharmacy proprietor, Warren Turner, said "this is a natural step for SuperPharmacy and HealthyLife...it will provide greater access and the delivery of care as required by our customers seeking to obtain their health and wellness needs online".
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