Established in 1948, Ackermans is one of the most well-known pharmacies in Germiston and the rest of the Greater Johannesburg area. Most of the love it receives from the community is because of its discounted prices.

Beyond the pricing, their comprehensive health service really impressed us. Their monthly ‘pack my meds’ service helps customers refill their prescriptions early without queuing, making it easier and more convenient for them.

It’s also great that they can deliver the medicine to the customer’s house since the pharmacy’s out of the city centre and can be quite far to some. The delivery service, though, is a bit slow at times and isn’t really the best option when you need the meds as soon as possible.

There are about seven pharmacists present in the actual pharmacy, all friendly and professional. They’ll help you with your prescription and all your questions, so it is best to visit during emergencies instead of calling and waiting for the delivery.

Aside from these services, the mega-pharmacy also has a Baby & Wellness Clinic that can help with family planning, breastfeeding, nutritional advice, immunisation, and other childcare services.

No hassle and awesome customer service

“First time going to Ackermans Pharmacy today for my mom’s Morphine as she is terminally ill. No hassle, no fuss. Awesome customer service.”

Sean Milford | Collect, Google Review

Exceptional service and reasonable medication prices

“What an exceptional service!! it was my first time visiting the clinic and their pharmacy today…wow they make you feel welcome and appreciated, from the reception, the Sister and the Pharmacist…and the medication prices are reasonable, keep up the excellent work guys!!”

Bongiwe Mthethwa | Collect, Google Review

The Local Choice Pharmacy only started in 2011, a lot later than other pharmacies on this list, but has already established itself as one of the most trusted pharmacy chains in the country. One proof of that is the 190 stores it has throughout South Africa.

One of the most commendable things about this pharmacy is its long operating hours. It’s open every day from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (until 9:00 PM on Sundays), giving customers more time to get the medications they need.

It also helps that they have a large and diverse inventory, so you can pretty much get all you need for health and wellness without going to another store. From vitamins and medications to beauty and hygiene products, they have it all inside.

Ordering on their website is also pretty easy. You just have to browse from their product list or upload your prescription for medications to order everything you need online.

The delivery, though, needs more improvement, as it can sometimes arrive much later than scheduled. Plus, they can be pretty hard to contact at times, making waiting for the delivery more frustrating.

Service and everything else is outstanding

“I simply think the service and everything else is outstanding, excellent. Those chemists is really humans will heart and feeling.”

James Venter | Collect, Google Review

Best service and always willing to help

“My best pharmacy ever. Best service and there are always willing to help with care and kindness. Best of all is that they open to 9pm I think.”

Lata Parbhoo | Collect, Google Review

As the largest group of community pharmacies in South Africa, Alpha Pharm has the widest reach among the pharmacies listed here. With over 385 stores nationwide, the store is present in almost every city and suburb near Johannesburg.

Most of the stores are also open seven days a week, with this Bosmont one being open from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. They also have PharmaShop24 vending machines located in various parts of the city for those in need of medicine late at night.

One thing that’s really impressive about this pharmacy chain is each location has a very large inventory, making meds more accessible to everyone. They have a wide range of medications for colds, flu, eye care, nasal care, child care, oral care, heartburn, constipation, and more.

The pricing for their products also remains reasonable despite the pharmacy’s name being well-known in the country. 

The only downside is that the queues can be really long in most of the stores. It’s understandable that long queues can frustrate both staff and customers, but we still hope some of the staff can be a bit friendlier and not let their frustration show.

Feeling relief that the correct medication will be dispensed

“Efficient. Strategic, quality. A feeling of relief knowing you will be dispensed the correct medication with regards to your health and wellbeing”

Sean Petersen | Collect, Google Review

Pharmacist is friendly and knows his medical staff 

“Come on! It’s Dahya he got you covered! You have everything in one where this pharmacy is concerned- friendly, on point and knows his medical stuff! Great service!”

Danielle Baker Rose | Collect, Google Review

No best pharmacy list will be complete without Dis-Chem, the second-largest pharmacy chain in South Africa. With almost 46 years of experience behind its name, the chain is one of the most trusted brands in Johannesburg.

The trust and support it receives from the locals, including us, are mainly due to its friendly staff. Although they can sometimes be slow in dispensing medicine, they’re extremely helpful and polite whenever customers ask about their prescriptions.

The in-store clinic also gives the pharmacy an edge against its competitors. Customers can get themselves checked and get medicine all in one location, making the whole process more convenient for them.

Additionally, the pharmacy gives customers the option to simply buy their medicine on its website if they can’t drop by the store. The ordering process is also pretty straightforward and can easily be taught to older people.

It’s just a bit of a bummer that they’re closed on Sundays since you can never be sure when you’ll need medicines or first aid kits.

Efficient and friendly people

“WOW. Myself & my Home Help just got vaccinated at this Facility. Simply blown away by the efficiency and friendliness of the incredible peeps who work there. Shout out to one & all from Security to Medical Personnel. Love your Work”

Andrew Biddlestone | Collect, Google Review

Customer service is stellar, and they’re great with reminders

“The customer service here is stellar. The chronic medication department is so great with reminders and processing medication on time. It feels that you have help managing your condition and that is very helpful!”

Thato Tema | Collect, Google Review

Galleon Pharmacy has been one of the go-to pharmacies of Johannesburg locals for the past 50 years. Located in Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre, it’s near some bus stations and very easy to get to.

One thing that stood out to us the most about Galleon is how low the prices of their products are despite being a relatively luxurious shopping centre. It also often offers discounts on many of its products, including the perfumes.

The service is also a lot faster and more efficient than other pharmacies in the city. We rarely have to wait in line, and the pharmacists don’t take long to dispense the medications as long as they’re in stock.

The medication inventory they have in-store is relatively smaller than the other pharmacies here, though, since the shop isn’t that big. It’s best to contact them first and send your prescription to them before heading to the mall to ensure they have everything in stock.

They also have a nationwide delivery that’s quite reliable and fast, so you can also opt for that if you’re far from the mall or don’t have enough time to go there.

Helpful and passionate about the job

“Galleon Pharmacy is brilliant. Solly has been so helpful and has a passion for his job. It is so rare to find someone as passionate about his job as he is. It’s such pleasure to deal with a company that has customer service of this high quality. Thank you.”

Twanette Schultz | Collect, Google Review

Cheap prices

“I have found their prices to be on the cheaper side. This is uncommon especially as the pharmacy is located in such an expensive mall.

Before I used to go to big name stores, but now I first check with them whether they got what I want. What I like about Galleon Pharmacy as well, is that they keep good quality supplements brands products.”

N M | Collect, Google Review