Ljekarna

Ljekarna is the Croatian term for a pharmacy or drugstore. In communities where Croatian is spoken, a ljekarna is a retail health facility where licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medicines, provide medical advice, and offer a range of health-related products, including over-the-counter drugs, personal care items, and medical devices. Ljekarne are integral to primary health care, often serving as a first point of contact for medication-related questions.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from a root meaning medicine or healing, related to the Croatian verb liječiti, meaning “to heal.” The suffix -arna forms a place-name indicating a venue associated with a function, a pattern common in the region’s language.

Services and operations: Most ljekarne employ qualified pharmacists who supervise dispensing, review potential drug interactions, advise on dosage and storage, and answer questions about medications. They may also provide basic health services such as blood pressure checks, minor health screenings, or vaccination programs where permitted. In many areas, ljekarne offer home delivery, online ordering, and convenient extended hours to improve access to medicines.

Regulation and professional standards: Ljekarne operate under national medicines and health-care regulations. Pharmacists must hold appropriate licensing, and pharmacies adhere to laws on prescription verification, record-keeping, safe handling of medicines, and consumer protection. The sector ranges from independent pharmacies to chain networks, reflecting regional differences in health care provision.

See also: Pharmacy, Apoteka, List of pharmacies.