Phoenix UK has partnered with 2San Global Ltd, a diagnostic and digital tools company, to supply home testing kits to its 5,200 independent pharmacy members through Numark and selected Rowlands Pharmacy branches nationwide. Both Numark and Rowlands Pharmacy are owned by Phoenix.
Numark will be the first UK wholesaler to supply 2San's home tests, granting members swift access to these screening products for essential health insights in minutes, all at reasonable prices, the company said in a statement.
Numark will offer 10 essential tests to its 5,200 independent pharmacy members from August, while Rowlands Pharmacy will provide a selection of tests in over 380 branches beginning September. This collaboration aligns with Phoenix's goal of improving diagnostic accessibility and easing strain on the NHS.
"We are excited to make these home testing kits available to Numark members and Rowlands Pharmacies," said Stephen Thomas, Superintendent Pharmacist at Phoenix. "Extending diagnostics services to community pharmacies through home testing is a significant step in supporting the NHS. Our aim is to help customers detect potential conditions early and take charge of their health. Additionally, by offering treatment guidance to our pharmacy colleagues, we aim to assist customers in managing their condition if they receive a positive result."
Home tests available at Numark pharmacies will include:
- Bowel Cancer (FIT)
- Stomach Ulcer (H.pylori)
- Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
- Iron Deficiency (Ferritin)
- Vitamin D Deficiency
- Bacterial Vaginosis (Vaginal pH)
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Menopause (FSH)
- Male Fertility (Sperm Concentration)
- Drugs of Abuse
Rowlands Pharmacy will not only provide a selection of home test kits but also offer support and advice in-store and through their website, the statement added. This ensures that customers receive clear recommendations based on their test results, a service not widely available in other pharmacies.
Rowlands pharmacy teams have been equipped with training materials to address customer queries. Plans are underway to make in-pharmacy treatments available for selected conditions identified with the 2San tests, allowing Rowlands Pharmacy to offer a complete solution.
Meanwhile, the home testing market is anticipated to grow by over 50 per cent by 2030, driven by the ongoing challenges faced by the NHS, an aging population, and the pursuit of innovative solutions.
In May, Rowlands Pharmacy acquired 30 LloydsPharmacy branches in Scotland, increasing its presence within the community pharmacy group of the larger Numark network to over 70 directly owned branches in Scotland.
