AFRICA : Franchise of chemical sellers in Ghana

Addressing the distribution deficiencies in Ghana's pharmaceutical market and improving the availability and affordability of essential drugs in rural and slum areas was the challenge faced when BLCF linked with a group of partners, with the aim of developing a franchise of licensed sellers of over-the-counter drugs.

After an initial difficulty in recruiting the chemical sellers – solved by improved awareness of the franchise benefits – CAREshop managers were taken through a five week long modular training programme conducted at three centres. In addition to business and entrepreneurship, the training included drug management and the managing of simple ailments. A special module was also developed for shop assistants.

CAREshop standards, operations manuals and signage, together with patient and cash record books were developed and distributed to franchisees. Shops were also upgraded to meet those standards. The lead partner negotiated discounts with 22 suppliers, and inventory and account management was installed in the enterprise warehouse to monitor all supply.

Since the project’s inception, the range of largely branded generic products has increased from 47 to 310. Data on disease patterns and drug consumption is now being collected to guide future training and each CAREshop is visited monthly to monitor and enforce standards and cost effectiveness.

For more information contact BLCF fund manager, the Emerging Markets Group at this address