35 new pharmacies in the Balearic Islands: Palma benefits — but is that really enough?

35 new pharmacies in the Balearic Islands: Palma benefits — but is that really enough?

Late in the afternoon, when the sun still warms the old stones in Palma and the seagulls cry over the harbor, the news arrived: the Balearic government has approved 35 new pharmacies. For many neighbors this sounds like welcome news — fewer queues, shorter journeys, more relaxed weekends. But approval is only the first step. The real question is: will the increase actually solve the island's supply problems?

Who receives the new permits — and who is left out?

Palma tops the list with 14 new concessions, followed by towns such as Manacor, Llucmajor, Inca and Alcúdia; even Ibiza receives additional places. At first glance sensible: population centers and tourist hotspots need more capacity in the high season. On closer inspection three concerns arise: will locations be distributed sensibly? Are there enough pharmacists to staff the branches? And is there a risk of domination by large chains that displace small local pharmacies?

I think of my friend from La Soledad, who describes how whole families queue on Sundays with prescribed medications. Such personal experiences apparently influenced the authorities. But voices from the neighborhood are not enough to close structural gaps.

The less noticed risks

First: staffing. On paper a location may be approved, but a pharmacy needs qualified personnel. On an island that in summer attracts thousands of additional workers from other countries, the labor market is tense. Without attractive working conditions and training places many licenses will remain on paper. This mirrors other health staffing discussions reported in More psychological help — but is it enough for Mallorca?.

Second: economic conditions. Rents in Palma are rising, commercial spaces are scarce. This favors larger chains with capital, while independent pharmacies often struggle. Concentration in chains could improve opening hours, but personal consultation and local ties would be lost. Economic measures such as public pay changes can influence the labour market Eleven Percent More for Balearic Public Servants: What the Bill Really Means for Mallorca.

Third: timing. The announced 35 pharmacies still have to go through tenders, renovations and personnel approvals. Realistically, openings will be staggered over months — until then bottlenecks will persist. Similar staggered preparations have been seen in other parts of the health service, such as bed mobilization reported in Balearic clinics prepare — is that enough for the flu wave?. And what happens if an approved site is not staffed for economic reasons?

Concrete opportunities and practical solutions

The decision contains opportunities — if it is accompanied wisely. Some concrete proposals for the authorities and municipalities in Mallorca:

1. Targeted site planning: Don’t decide solely by population numbers, but by accessibility in peripheral neighborhoods, proximity to care homes and travel routes in the high season.

2. Staffing initiative: Scholarships for pharmacy students, cooperation with mainland universities, practice-oriented training positions and better shift models could fill gaps.

3. Support for independent pharmacies: Rent subsidies or start-up bonuses for local operators prevent a shift in favor of large chains and preserve quality of advice.

4. Mobile solutions and telepharmacy: Mobile pharmacies or delivery services in rural areas as well as digital consultations for simple cases could provide short-term relief.

5. Transparent timelines: Municipalities should publish clear deadlines for tenders and openings so residents know when supply will actually improve.

Conclusion: A step in the right direction — but adjustments needed

Approving 35 pharmacies is not a cure-all, but it is a necessary step. However, if implementation is planned by numbers rather than people, gaps will remain: unused concessions, staff shortages and unevenly distributed services. In Mallorca, where the smell of the market, plaza conversations and the ringing of church bells shape everyday life, approvals must be paired with pragmatic measures so the new infrastructure really reaches the places where it is needed.

Until the first new counters open, one can still hear the hum of delivery scooters in the alleys and the distant calls of market vendors. For many residents the hope is clear: less waiting, more proximity. What is needed now is speed, sense and an open ear for the small districts — otherwise a good piece of news will remain a bureaucratic promise.