LifeKen, the chain of retail pharmacy outlets of Banglore based Lifetime Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., has announced its plans to set up 50 outlets in Chennai during this year, in which the first 10 will be operational by July 2006.

The company, with 4 outlets in Chennai at present, will commence its operations in full swing by the beginning of July, according to the company sources. Plans are to set up one outlet every week from July onwards.

LifeKen, which set up 26 outlets in Banglore during last year, is planning to set up its chain in Coimbatore by the end of 2006. The company takes steps to ensure that the medicines are stored in a clean, hygienic and air-conditioned environment to maintain their potency along with pharmaceutical services from qualified pharmacists, by investing around Rs.20 lakh for setting up each outlet, informed the sources.

By introducing loyalty card system to its customers, including one-time customers, the company is on a venture to conduct regular health camps in the city. Talks are on with various pharmaceutical companies to start its free medical check ups and health camps in the city.

The company is talking to some corporates, especially IT companies to provide its health awareness services. Plans are also there to find franchisees in the city, which can ensure the quality services offered by Lifeken, informed Subramanyam Sharma, Regional Manager-operations, LifeKen.

"Chennai has around 5,700 pharmacies and the share of Organised Pharma Retail chains is just 120 outlets. We are targeting customers seeking retail experience in pharma and our growth can go hand in hand with the traditional pharmacies," told M.C.Kini, CEO, promoter and director, Lifetime Health care Pvt. Ltd., recently in a press conference.

The company informed that the outlets will not engage in OTC sales, unless in necessary situations, and will provide drug information services through its call centres. The company is working to achieve a toll free number in the city for its call centre service, explained Subramanyam to Pharmabiz.

The company, retaining a range of 12,000 products in various systems, is planning to launch its branches in Madurai, Salem and Hyderabad soon and envisages introduction of specially designed programs for consumers with special healthcare shortly, according to Subramanyam. He said that the company is developing a special software to handle the entire spectra of programmes it plans and the software is undergoing efficacy test at Banglore at present.