How to Start a Medical Store in India
A Step-by-Step Guide with Insights from Fedley Healthcare
The healthcare industry in India is rapidly growing, and with increasing demand for medicines and healthcare products, opening a medical store (pharmacy) has become one of the most lucrative small business ideas. Whether you’re a pharmacy graduate, an investor, or an entrepreneur looking for a stable and high-return venture, starting a medical store can offer both financial stability and social impact.
Fedley Healthcare, a trusted name in the pharmaceutical sector, not only empowers PCD franchise partners but also supports aspiring entrepreneurs looking to establish successful retail or wholesale medical stores.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start a medical store in India, including legal requirements, investments, setup procedures, and how Fedley Healthcare can help.
Types of Medical Stores in India
Before starting, you need to decide the kind of pharmacy business you want to set up:
- •Retail Medical Store: Sells medicines directly to consumers.
- •Wholesale Medical Store: Supplies medicines to retailers, hospitals, and clinics.
- •Hospital Medical Store: Operates within hospitals for internal patients.
- •Online Pharmacy: Sells medicines via e-commerce platforms.
- •Franchise Medical Store: Operates under a recognized pharma company’s brand name.
Step-by-Step Process to Start a Medical Store in India
1. Educational Qualification & Eligibility
To own or run a pharmacy, you must fulfill certain qualification criteria:
- •A registered pharmacist with a D.Pharm or B.Pharm degree.
- •Alternatively, you can appoint a qualified pharmacist if you are an investor or non-pharma person.
The pharmacist should be registered with the State Pharmacy Council.
2. Choose the Type of Ownership
Decide your business ownership model:
- •Proprietorship – Individual ownership
- •Partnership Firm – For co-owners
- •Private Limited Company – For scaling and funding
- •LLP – Limited Liability Partnership
Register the business structure with your local authorities or Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) as per requirement.
3. Location & Infrastructure
A proper location is crucial for success:
- •Must be a commercial area or a location with high footfall (near hospitals, clinics, or residential areas).
- •Minimum 10 sq. meters for retail, and 15 sq. meters for wholesale.
- •Adequate refrigeration for storing temperature-sensitive drugs.
4. Get a Drug License
You cannot legally sell medicines without a Drug License, issued by the State Drugs Control Department.
Documents Required:
- •Application form in prescribed format
- •Covering letter with intent of store
- •Blueprint or layout of the premises
- •Rental agreement or ownership proof of the shop
- •Pharmacist registration and qualification proof
- •Affidavit and declaration forms
- •GST registration certificate
- •Identity and address proof
Note: For wholesale, you’ll also need a wholesale license under Form 20B and 21B, and for retail under Form 20 and 21.
5. GST Registration
GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration is mandatory for billing and taxation purposes. It can be obtained online via the GST portal6. Investment & Capital Required
The initial investment for opening a medical store depends on size, location, and stock. On average:
- •Small Retail Pharmacy – ₹3 to ₹5 Lakhs
- •Wholesale Pharmacy – ₹5 to ₹10 Lakhs
- •Franchise Store – ₹2 to ₹6 Lakhs (depending on brand)
This includes:
- •Shop rent or purchase
- •Drug license and registrations
- •Initial stock purchase
- •Furniture, storage, refrigerator
- •Billing software and computer
7. Inventory and Supplier Management
Once licenses are secured, you’ll need to stock your store. Partnering with a reliable and reputed pharmaceutical company is crucial for your success.
This is where Fedley Healthcare becomes your perfect partner. As one of the leading PCD Pharma Companies in India, Fedley offers:
- •High-quality, WHO-GMP certified medicines
- •Competitive pricing and high profit margins
- •Fast-moving product range in demand
- •Timely delivery and strong supply chain support
- •Monopoly rights if operating in PCD model
Fedley Healthcare provides both retailers and wholesalers with everything they need to succeed—from product knowledge to marketing materials.
8. Hire Staff (if needed)
Depending on the size of your store, you may need:
- •A registered pharmacist (mandatory if owner is not a pharmacist)
- •Billing staff or assistants
- •Delivery boy (optional for online or local delivery services)
9. Billing & Software Setup
Install pharmacy management software for:
- •Inventory tracking
- •Sales and billing
- •Expiry date alerts
- •GST and tax management
- •Customer database management
Popular pharmacy software options in India include Marg ERP, Medisoft, EazyMed, etc.
10. Marketing and Promotion
Let people know your store is open! Use:
- •Local advertising (flyers, banners, WhatsApp, posters)
- •Doctor tie-ups for prescriptions
- •Discounts on generic medicines
- •Listing your store on Google and pharmacy apps
- •Offering online ordering or home delivery options
Fedley Healthcare provides visual aids, MR bags, promotional literature, and more to help partners market effectively in their area.
Advantages of Starting a Medical Store
- •Recession-proof business
- •Daily cash flow
- •Low operational cost
- •High profit margins
- •Socially impactful
- •Scope for expansion (franchise, wholesale, online)
Pro Tips for Success in Pharmacy Retail
- •Build doctor relationships to increase prescription-based sales.
- •Keep fast-moving medicines and seasonal drugs always in stock.
- •Monitor expiry dates and return unsold products on time.
- •Maintain ethical practices and proper documentation.
- •Take advantage of government health schemes and digital health initiatives.
How Fedley Healthcare Supports Aspiring Medical Store Owners
Fedley Healthcare is more than a pharma company—it is a growth enabler for those entering the pharmacy retail or wholesale business. Whether you're planning to open a general pharmacy, a franchise outlet, or become a PCD distributor, Fedley supports you through:
- •Premium quality pharma products
- •Complete monopoly rights in PCD model
- •Attractive promotional material
- •Logistics & delivery support across India
- •Transparent business terms
- •Affordable startup investment