A five year prediction of the future of the Australian pharmacy
environment with a focus on over the counter products.

How will market power be divided between independent pharmacies,
aggregated pharmacies (eg banner groups), wholesalers, manufacturers
and supermarkets and how is this likely to unfold?

What part will pharmacy deregulation play in this unfolding future?

What strategies should a manufacturer of over the counter products
employ to capitalise on the changing environment from a sales,
marketing and communication, distribution and R&D perspective?

Supporting evidence/insights: 
Are there models from other sectors or countries which support the predictions?
What predictions are being made by relevant Australian industry bodies?
What is the role (if any) of consumer purchasing trends and behaviour?
What will happen in product category management?
Are there categories which are likely to be more or less profitable?

Some background reading: 

"http://www.pharm.usyd.edu.au/ppf/PDF_docs/Retail_Pharmacy_GDowling.doc" 

"http://www.aushealthreview.com.au/publications/articles/issues/ahr_28_2_081104/ahr_28_2_238-246.asp"

---

Clarification of Question by bbs2010-ga on 28 Jun 2006 23:26 PDT

Sources of information which would help in the construction of a five
year prediction might be equally useful.