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Project
“ The SMMSu ( Super Modular Multi system ) heat pump units we installed are Eurovent certified .”
services with eight doctors catering to a wide spectrum of 12 different medical needs .
Ackermans Pharmacy practices community support and growth through expansive operations and deep roots in the local landscape serving its diverse clientele .
" We give back to the community , and they support us ," explains Kuun , reflecting on the pharmacy ' s extensive patronage that stretches beyond its immediate neighbourhood . " The pharmacy ' s footprint extends far beyond its physical location :
people come from not just Primrose , but Edenvale , Bedfordview and Boksburg , while deliveries serve Sandton , Bryanston and as far away as Fourways — making us a destination for health services and product deliveries ."
Ackerman Pharmacy is more than a place to pick up prescriptions , with over 500 daily deliveries facilitated by a fleet of 20 scooters and an expanding online presence . " We sell about 8 000 flu vaccines monthly during winter and up to 60 000 litres of water in a standard month , as well as basket of basic household products ," Kuun adds , highlighting the pharmacy ' s integral role in meeting community health and retail needs . It is also in the process of establishing an illy coffee shop . Future expansion is likely to be in the direction of wholesaling , potentially under the brand name AckerPharm , he adds .
Reflecting on the broader context of the project , Kuun mentioned the evolving neighbourhood dynamics . " Primrose , where the pharmacy is located , has seen significant changes over the decades . From its Portuguese community roots to its current bustling traffic , adapting to these changes while maintaining operational integrity was key ."
The pharmacy ' s unique requirements , particularly regarding temperature control , were also a focal point . " Being a pharmacy , precise temperature control is crucial . The new system ensures that medication and sensitive products are stored under optimal conditions , meeting regulatory standards ," says Kuun .
" Medication isn ' t just like any other product ; it ' s sensitive to temperature and humidity . The stability and shelf life of medications are rigorously tested under controlled conditions of humidity and temperature , simulating various environmental factors to ensure they meet safety and efficacy standards ."
Kuun explains that manufacturers and regulatory bodies oversee this crucial process . " Manufacturers and the South African Pharmacy Council ensure that medications are transported and stored under specified conditions based on good pharmacy practice standards . From manufacturing to distribution to retail , temperature control throughout the cold chain is integral to maintaining medication integrity . The temperature in a pharmacy has to be maintained below 25 ° C , something typically printed on the packaging of any medication .”
Even during delivery , strict protocols are observed . " Manufacturer ’ s delivery vehicles are equipped with small air conditioning units to regulate temperature . For medications like insulin , which require temperatures between 2 ° C and 8 ° C , specialised refrigeration is employed to ensure product safety ."
For retail client deliveries by scooter during varying weather conditions , Kuun says that measures are in place to mitigate temperature risks . " In colder months , like winter , the impact is low , but for sensitive medications like antibiotics , we use insulated ice boxes with ice packs to maintain optimal conditions during transit ," he adds .
Reflecting on the business philosophy that has guided Ackerman Pharmacy for decades , Kuun describes it as a strategy of low margins and high volume , coupled with a focus on becoming a destination for a diverse range of products and services . He says there is a huge market for such a model given the majority of South Africans cannot afford medical schemes and are consequently highly price conscious for what is after all a grudge purchase . " From selling bread and water to specialised medical equipment , we aim to cater to our community ' s diverse needs ," he remarks . RACA
LIST OF PROFESSIONALS :
Owner
Name of company
Ackermans Pharmacy , Primrose Contractors HVAC & R Cool Reaction
HVAC and associated product suppliers
AHI Carrier / Toshiba
“ From selling bread and water to specialised medical equipment , we aim to cater to our community ' s diverse needs ."
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RACA Journal I November 2024 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za