Pharmacists keep a close watch on Woolworths partnership extension

Pharma News: Woolworths has made a push into the pharmacy sector nearly a year after withdrawing from a major acquisition bid for Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API).

Woolworths has extended its partnership with SuperPharmacy to acquire key technology and warehouse assets of SuperPharmacy in exchange for providing e-commerce services, related technology, branding, platform, and wholesale warehouse services under the new “HealthyLife Pharmacy” banner.

SuperPharmacy has been a partner of Woolworths since 2021 via the Everyday Rewards program and acted as a third-party supplier on HealthyLife.com.au since August 2022.

Pharmacist and SuperPharmacy owner, Warren Turner, will remain in the business. The six SuperPharmacy retail stores located across Australia will continue to be owned and operated independently.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said it has noted the announcement of the partnership between Woolworths subsidiary HealthyLife Pharmacy and pharmacist Warren Turner.

A spokesperson for the Pharmacy Guild said it was monitoring the development and examining any possible implications of it.

“We have 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,” the spokesperson said.

“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.

“This model had 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 Guild will keep members informed of developments on this issue,” the spokesperson added.