Prepared by

Aryamol PJ
A hospital pharmacy is a specialized department
dedicated to managing medications and providing
pharmaceutical care within a healthcare facility.
1. Workflow Optimization
Efficient pharmacy design begins with optimizing workflows to support seamless
operations and timely delivery of medications.
Zoning: Separate designated areas for receiving, storage, compounding, dispensing,
and administrative tasks.

For example, a hospital pharmacy may have a secure receiving area for drug
deliveries to prevent contamination and ensure proper handling. Separate
compounding zones for preparing intravenous medications or chemotherapy drugs
ensure sterility while reducing workflow bottlenecks.
Proximity to Patient Care Areas: Strategic placement of the pharmacy near high-
demand departments, such as emergency rooms or surgical suites, minimizes transit
times for critical medications.

For example, a pharmacy adjacent to the operating theater can quickly deliver OT
consumables and emergency drugs, ensuring uninterrupted procedures.
2. Security Measures
Ensuring the security of sensitive medications and consumables is a critical
aspect of hospital pharmacy design.
•Controlled Access: Sensitive areas like narcotics storage or
compounding labs require restricted entry, accessible only to authorized
personnel using key cards or biometric systems. This prevents
unauthorized access and safeguards-controlled substances.

•Surveillance Systems: Cameras and monitoring systems not only deter

theft but also ensure compliance with regulatory protocols. For instance,
surveillance can help monitor medication dispensing activities, reducing
errors and maintaining accountability.
3. Space Planning and Layout Considerations
Proper space utilization is essential for a pharmacy to function efficiently
and safely.
•Receiving and Storage Areas:

• A separate area for receiving deliveries minimizes contamination

risks and allows for proper inspection and sorting of drugs.

• Use high-density shelving and automated storage systems to

facilitate easy access and inventory tracking. For instance, barcode
systems help reduce errors in stock management.

•Compounding and Preparation Areas:

• Aseptic Environments: These areas must meet sterility standards,

especially for preparing IV solutions or chemotherapy drugs.
Laminar airflow hoods and HEPA filtration systems are common
features.

• Ergonomic Workstations: Adjustable counters and chairs reduce

physical strain for pharmacists handling repetitive tasks, boosting
•Dispensing Areas:

• Patient Interaction Zones: Creating private consultation booths within

the pharmacy ensures patients can discuss their medications
confidentially with pharmacists.
4. Incorporating Technology for Enhanced Efficiency
Modern hospital pharmacies rely on advanced technology to streamline
operations and ensure accuracy.
•Inventory Management Systems: Real-time software solutions monitor
stock levels and expiration dates, reducing wastage and ensuring medications
are always available.

•EHR Integration: By linking pharmacy systems with Electronic Health

Records (EHRs), physicians and pharmacists can seamlessly manage
prescriptions, dosage adjustments, and patient medication histories.
5. Safety and Compliance Considerations
Hospital pharmacies must be designed to meet local and international safety
standards, ensuring the well-being of patients and staff.
•Hazardous Drug Handling: Specific areas should be designated for handling
hazardous drugs, with guidelines followed to minimize exposure risks.

•For example, negative-pressure rooms with appropriate ventilation prevent

contamination while compounding chemotherapy drugs.

•Infection Control: Materials like stainless steel countertops and epoxy flooring are
easy to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of contamination. These surfaces are
particularly useful in sterile compounding areas.
Free Flow Layout:
LOCATION:
•In the ground floor with storage in basement.

•Readily accessible to elevator.

•Accessible to all areas of hospital.

•OPD Unit to serve OPD patients.

SIZE:
•10 sq ft/bed - 100 bedded hospital
•6 sq ft/bed - 200 bedded hospital
•5 sq ft/bed - 500 bedded or more
FINISHING

FLOOR:
•Floor should be smooth, tough, and resistant to acid, base.

•A heavy linoleum flooring is preferred.

•Ceiling:

•Should be constructed of fire-retardant, asbestos-free, and non-shedding materials or

mineral fibers.

Wall
•walls to be smooth without crevices, washable, light color.

•Drug cabinet light colored wood or steel.

•Sterile solution room, water proof, smooth, non-skid surface with drainage system.

•Arrangement of fixtures to be made in such a way day light can be used.

LIGHT:
•Plenty of windows for day light.
•To make dust-free Venetian window blinds to be used.
•Fluorescent light on prescription and distribution area.
Roof:

1. Must be pitched or sloped to prevent damage from heavy rain.

Door:

2. Made of fire-retardant material.

3. Should have two leaves and be wide enough for easy movement of
supplies and equipment (e.g., forklifts, stackers).
4. Exit doors must be well-located and fitted with luminous emergency
exit signage.
PRESCRIPTION AREA:

[Link] desk with cabinets and drawers.

[Link] drawer cabinets with cupboards bases.

[Link], office equipment, computer, telephone.

[Link] available list, information board.

PREPARATION AREA:

[Link] table for manufacture of solutions.

[Link], adjustable glass storage shelves.

[Link] facilities.

[Link] standard counter heights 36”x30”x74” with acid

resistant tops.

[Link] proof sinks.

STORAGE AREA:

[Link] cabinet with proper leveling.

[Link] for loading of wood packs.
[Link] for pharmacy lab with testing equipment.
Receiving Area

[Link] and Unloading Area:

1. Should be adequately spaced and properly sheltered, considering

vehicle height.
[Link] Counter:

1. Must have adequate waiting space and be equipped with suitable

office furniture and equipment.
[Link] and Unpacking Area:

1. Needs sufficient space for sorting and checking goods,

accommodating a forklift.
[Link]/Holding Area:

1. Should be adequately spaced for storing:

i) Items requiring further clarification/investigation before receiving,
ii) Transit items not needing special storage conditions, and
iii) Pallets.
[Link] Room:

1. Designed to store discarded items (such as used boxes, wrappers, and

plastic covers).

Storage Area

[Link] Storage Requirement:

1. The storage area should have air-conditioning facilities operating 24

hours.
2. Temperature must be controlled between 16°C - 25°C.
3. Electrical supply for refrigerators, freezers, and cold rooms should
connect to the hospital's emergency power supply.
4. A computerized alarm system should monitor electrical failures of
cold chain equipment.
5. Adequate space for forklifts, stackers, trolleys, and IT facilities.
6. Sufficient pallets, shelves, and racks should be provided.
[Link] Store:

1. Equipped with adjustable, modular, heavy-duty open racks for various

package sizes.
2. Must have a sufficient storage area for bulk items.
3. Heavy-duty plastic pallets should be used to keep bulk items off the
floor and compatible with forklifts.
4. Designated area for cytotoxic drugs, marked with cautionary signage
and equipped with a chemo-spill kit.
[Link] Drugs/Psychotropic Substances Store:

1. Must be kept under lock in a special room or cabinet with an

alarm system.
[Link] Room/Pharmaceutical Refrigerator/Freezer Area:

1. Should be included within the drug store for items requiring low
temperatures (e.g., vaccines, antisera).
2. Equipped with a computerized temperature recording system.
[Link] (IV) Fluid Store:

1. Space must accommodate hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis

solutions, and intravenous solutions, allowing for forklift use.
[Link] Store:

1. Designed for bulk surgical/consumable/disposable items and X-ray

films.
2. Should have adjustable, modular, heavy-duty open racks, with
space for bulky items.
[Link]-Drug Bulk Store:

1. Designed for dispensing bottles, containers, labels, and

envelopes.
2. Should have adjustable, modular, heavy-duty open racks and
adequate space for easy movement.
Store with Special Requirement

[Link] Store:

1. Located a minimum of 10 feet from adjacent buildings.

2. Designed for inflammable items (e.g., ethanol, methanol,

acetone).

3. Equipped with firefighting equipment, smoke detectors, and

exhaust fans for ventilation.

4. Designed for maximum air circulation to avoid fume

accumulation.

5. Spark-proof switches should be present outside the room.

[Link] Items Store:

1. Designed for storing corrosive items (e.g.,

phenols, hypochlorite).

2. Equipped with special plumbing, drainage

system, and an eye wash station.

[Link] Gas Store:

1. Designed for storing portable medical gas

cylinders.

2. Reinforced flooring to support the weight of

heavy cylinders.

3. Sheltered loading and unloading areas.

4. Constructed for direct loading and

unloading.

5. Electrical facilities must meet requirements

from Fire Fighting, Rescue Departments, and
the Department of Environment.
[Link] Item Store:

1. A designated area or cabinet should be provided and clearly

labeled.

[Link]-Conformance/Condemned Item Store:

1. Designated store/cabinet for expired, obsolete, or damaged

items prior to disposal.
Floor Space Requirements
•Minimum Area: 250 m².

•Bed Requirements:

• 10 m² per bed for 100 beds.

• 6 m² per bed for 200 beds.

• At least 5 m² per bed for larger hospitals.

•Teaching institutes require more space.

•The floor area depends on operations, divisions, medicaments

manufactured, number of patients served, and pharmacy staff.
Staff Requirements

•Departments: Smaller setups may have dispensing and medical

stores; larger setups include manufacturing, quality control, and clinical
pharmacy departments.

•Factors Influencing Staff Numbers:

• Number of beds.
• Service to outpatients and inpatients.
• Involvement in drug manufacturing.
• Involvement in stocking and dispensing surgical and laboratory
supplies.
•Staff Personnel Recommendations:

• One Chief Pharmacist or Director.

• At least 4 registered pharmacists for smaller hospitals
(one for every 60 patients).
• Sufficient assistants, attendants, and sweepers.
• Pharmacist-cum-clerk or clerks as needed per hospital
size.
• Manufacturing and analytical chemists for hospitals
involved in drug formulation.
• Staffing for hospitals based on bed numbers:
• 50-bedded: 3 pharmacists
• 100-bedded: 5 pharmacists
• 200-bedded: 8 pharmacists
• 300-bedded: 10 pharmacists
• 500-bedded: 15 pharmacists
• One pharmacist for approximately 133 patients in
larger hospitals.