Pharmacy finance Ireland for pharmacies and practices

Monthly. Pharmacies submit claims to the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) by the dates in its published claims calendar, and payment follows once each month's claims are processed. In the meantime, you pay your wholesaler on its own terms, so a pharmacy can carry several weeks of drug costs before reimbursement arrives. Check the current PCRS calendar against your wholesaler's payment dates.

A working capital or short-term business loan can cover the gap, particularly when script numbers are growing, high-cost drugs are being dispensed or a new contract increases volume. Lenders look at your PCRS payment history, wholesaler terms and bank statements. Ask your wholesaler about its terms too. Working capital loans are among the products our lender panel covers, subject to each lender's criteria.

Yes. A steady record of PCRS payments, alongside private prescription and retail sales, shows predictable income, and lenders usually ask for recent PCRS statements as well as bank statements and accounts. Because that income depends on the pharmacy holding its HSE contract and premises, lenders may also check the contract position and your lease terms.

Finance to buy a pharmacy usually comes from banks and specialist lenders, assessed on the target's trading, PCRS history and your experience. Expect to put in some of your own funds and to provide a business plan, valuation and due diligence. Tell us what your company needs and we'll tell you honestly whether our panel can help, or where to apply instead.

Only if the practice trades through a company registered in Ireland (LTD, DAC, PLC or ULC). Many GP and dental practices are partnerships or sole practitioners, and they cannot apply through us; their bank or a specialist medical lender is the usual route. For a practice company, lenders look at patient income, HSE or PCRS payments, staffing and premises.

Usually, through leasing or hire purchase from an asset finance provider. Lenders look at the supplier, the cost and your pharmacy's trading. Allow for installation, changes to the dispensary layout and maintenance contracts, which may need separate funding. Medical equipment finance for X-ray units, dental chairs or scanners works in a similar way. Tell us what your company needs and we'll tell you honestly whether our panel can help, or where to apply instead.

Yes. Stock finance or a short-term loan can fund front-of-shop ranges such as skincare, gifts and Christmas stock, which PCRS doesn't reimburse. Lenders look at sell-through, margins and seasonality, so bring last year's sales by month. Stock finance and short-term loans are among the products our lender panel covers, subject to each lender's criteria.

Often, yes. Fit-out finance or an unsecured business loan can fund a refit, consultation room or new layout, which many pharmacies need to offer services such as vaccinations. Lenders want to see the company's trading history, PCRS statements and tax compliance. Unsecured loans are among the products our lender panel covers.

Yes, if the practice trades through an Irish limited company. Dental chairs, X-ray and imaging units, scanners and surgical equipment are usually funded on hire purchase or leasing. AIB, for example, lists medical equipment among the assets its asset finance covers, usually over up to five years. Practices run as sole traders or partnerships cannot apply through us.