Walgreens boosts prescription volume amid turnaround efforts
- Walgreens plans to expand its micro-fulfillment centers to serve over 5,000 stores by the end of 2025.
- The implementation of these centers has led to a reduction in routine tasks for pharmacy staff, enabling better patient care.
- The changes aim to improve overall operational efficiency and enhance service delivery in Walgreens pharmacies.
In the United States, Walgreens is actively expanding its use of micro-fulfillment centers to enhance its pharmacy services and address growing concerns of staff burnout and inefficiency. The company aims to increase its micro-fulfillment centers from 4,800 stores in February 2023 to over 5,000 by the end of the year. As a result of these centers, pharmacy staff can reduce routine tasks, which enables them to have more direct interactions with patients and perform additional clinical services like vaccinations. Walgreens' chief pharmacy officer, Rick Gates, highlighted that pharmacies utilizing these facilities report a 40% increase in vaccine administration. Furthermore, operations at these centers have reduced overall prescription fulfillment costs by nearly 13% compared to the previous year, showcasing a significant improvement in efficiency. In addition to better service, Walgreens has also seen a considerable uptick in prescription volume, with a striking 126% increase year-over-year. This growth reflects the company’s adaptation to the changing landscape and challenges faced by pharmacy staff nationwide, including chronic understaffing and burnout highlighted by recent walkouts. By 2024, Walgreens aims to refine its operational models further to maintain a competitive edge against independent pharmacies and other competitors.