BinSina Pharmacy: 'Success lies in resilience and foresight'

BinSina Pharmacy continues to stand the test of time despite changing trends in the pharmaceutical sector and has undertaken a number of initiatives to cater to the needs of the Emiratis, residents and expats. The healthcare retailer was notably quick to take operative measures and offer a range of wellness solutions for residents since the recent Covid-19 outbreak in the UAE. 
"At BinSina Pharmacy, we want residents to know that we are here for them, and our products and advice - by pharmacists, nutritionists and beauty advisors - are easily accessible. What is interesting about the current situation is that it has changed the way consumers interact with pharmacies. People now want to shop more locally, opting for street pharmacies or community locations; there has been an increase in demand for home deliveries through multiple omnichannel online platforms or social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram," said Ian Hunter, Chief Operating Officer, BinSina Pharmacy and Wellness.

Armed with foresight, BinSina Pharmacy introduced a Ministry-approved online pharmacy in February, which has proven to become a primary access point to cater to residents' needs in the current situation. "We are also working with TruDoc to offer a teleconsultation service. Patients can access this feature through their phone or PC and receive diagnosis from doctors who would then prescribe medicines," said Hunter, adding that calls to 800BinSina are answered by qualified pharmacists that can offer both advice and a suitable product, if required.

The prescription is then sent to a BinSina Pharmacy outlet nearest to them, allowing residents the option to collect it themselves or have it delivered to their doorstep.

"Depending on the nature of your problem, there are different ways we can help you. What we cannot do and will not do is break the rules and laws, especially when it comes to prescribing certain types of medication," he added.

Other initiatives include the set-up of BinSina Pharmacy kiosks, equipped with "Covid-19 essentials" and placed near the entrances of major malls as well as community centres for convenience. The essentials available include face masks, gloves, hand sanitisers as well as vitamin C to help residents keep safe from the current pandemic.

According to Hunter, BinSina Pharmacy is on track to opening more branches across the UAE in order to reach out to consumers. With four recent store openings, the chief operating officer said that plans are under way to reveal seven to 10 more stores by the year-end, depending on the speed of developments.
Recent CSR initiatives 
In response to health concerns, BinSina Pharmacy recently prepared 5,000 flu prevention kits that were available in some of its stores. About 1,500 additional kits were utilised by government bodies and the Dubai Police, while a further 500 were donated to families in need.

BinSina Pharmacy is also active in other areas to bring relief, such as its recent collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent. The healthcare retailer has set up donation links online as well as collections in-store. The group further paid homage to the healthcare industry by distributing exclusive health and beauty boxes to the heroes helping in the battle against Covid-19.
BinSina Pharmacy is one of the oldest and most trusted pharmacies in the UAE, established in 1965 and organically nurtured by family-owned diversified group Al Khayyat investments.