Abstract

Author:
Precy G. Baluarte

Doi: 10.26480/jtwe.01.2024.46.51

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

The objective of this study is to assess the operational practices and challenges encountered of independent drugstores in the cities of Laguna, Philippines. It involved profiling respondents and pharmacies, assessing operational practices, and examining challenges faced by store managers and owners. The study employed a quantitative descriptive research design, utilizing frequency percentage, mean, and chi-square analysis. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire from 80 respondents in Laguna. Results indicated that independent drug stores generally adhered to standard operational procedures, although improvements in campaign awareness, services, technology, and medicine dispensing were needed for sustainability. Challenges faced by owners and managers, including marketing competition, were moderate. This study also aims to create insights, recommendations, and strategies to optimize pharmacy practices, enhance resilience, and drive sustainable growth in the local healthcare sector.