Small pharmacy shops facing problems

Small pharmacy shops may be forced to close if they are unable to comply with new regulations imposed on them.

Government regulators have demanded the installation of video observation devices inside and outside of pharmacy shops, as well as updated computer systems. At the end of 2011, six pharmacies were closed for selling medicine without proper prescriptions.

Analysts do not rule out a change in the pharmacy ownership environment, speculating that it could follow the lead of the oil and gas market. Large oil distributing companies bought out small petrol stations, which could not compete with larger competitors, resulting in only five oil distribution companies in Georgia today. However, critics warn that such practices may reduce competition in the market and facilitate the development of monopolies.