Future Plans for the Vatican Pharmacy: an interview with the Director on the 2026 Program

Between Mission and Innovation

The integration of cash management with digital payments, the automation of the Vatican Pharmacy’s warehouse, and the full development of credit and remote sales operations to ensure greater accuracy, transparency, and control. These are the projects that the Vatican Pharmacy will implement over the course of 2026. They are discussed in this interview with www.vaticanstate.va by Br. Thomas Binish Mulackal of the Order of the Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God (Fatebenefratelli), Director of the Vatican Pharmacy.

What is the mission of the Vatican Pharmacy in the 2026 plan?

Our mission for 2026 is to consolidate a reliable, competent, and deeply human healthcare service of the Vatican Pharmacy, capable of responding in an organized and effective manner to the daily needs of those who turn to us.

The experience gained in recent years, and in particular the opening of the Parapharmacy at the Braccio Carlo Magno [St. Peter’s Square] in December 2024, has strengthened a fundamental awareness: the quality of service arises from teamwork, clarity of roles, careful planning, and the ability to expand healthcare assistance services.

Therefore, 2026 will be a year focused on stability, continuous improvement, and the enhancement of internal expertise, with particular attention to logistical organization and the operational flow of the main Pharmacy, from both an ethical and a technical perspective.

What are the main priorities compared to 2025?

Compared to 2025, the main priority is the transition from the start-up and adjustment phase to one of full operational consolidation.

In 2025 we worked intensively on organizing workflows, integrating the new Parapharmacy spaces, and managing human resources. In 2026 the goal is to make these processes more streamlined, standardized, and sustainable over time, reducing operational issues and further improving the user experience.

Among the priorities is the completion of several initiatives launched in 2025, to be finalized by mid-2026, including the integration of cash management with digital payments, the automation of the Vatican Pharmacy’s warehouse, and the full development of credit and remote direct sales operations—already initiated at the beginning of 2026—to ensure greater accuracy, transparency and control.

Which pharmaceutical services are to be strengthened or introduced in 2026?

In 2026 we intend to particularly strengthen advisory and guidance services at the counter, fully valuing the professionalism of pharmacists and staff.

The parapharmacy experience has confirmed how essential it is to offer not only a product, but also attentive listening, clarity, and informed guidance in choices—especially for over-the-counter products, parapharmaceutical and cosmetic items, and Vatican Pharmacy–branded health and wellness products.

Building on the experience gained at the store at the Braccio Carlo Magno, an assessment process has been launched to identify new user needs and to expand the range of Vatican Pharmacy–branded products. In this context, the two Vatican Pharmacy satellite stores within the Vatican Museums and the Emporium department store continue to record satisfactory results, confirming the validity of the expansion and outreach.

A group of collaborators is already involved in analyzing and selecting new product additions, with particular attention to product quality, responsiveness to customer needs, and market opportunities, always in line with the identity and values of the Vatican Pharmacy.

Is an expansion of consultancy, prevention, or health education services planned?

Yes, the intention is to progressively strengthen the educational and preventive dimension of the service through clearer communication, targeted informational materials, and a more structured approach to health advice.

The introduction of new Vatican Pharmacy–branded supplement products represents a concrete opportunity to expand the services offered, particularly within the Parapharmacy.

The goal is not to introduce complex services, but to ensure that every interaction with users becomes an opportunity for health education, fully consistent with the values and mission of the Vatican Pharmacy.

Are actions planned to optimize the supply chain?

Absolutely. Experience in recent years has shown how essential it is to have an efficient, well-planned, and reliable supply chain.

In 2026, attention will focus on better order planning, more accurate inventory control, and strengthening relationships with suppliers in order to avoid emergencies, delays, and waste.

In the final months of 2025, the Governing Bodies also granted additional storage space, currently undergoing refurbishment. This will make it possible to complete the warehouse automation project, with a significant improvement in supply management and product availability for users.

How are drug traceability and safety ensured?

Drug traceability and safety are ensured through rigorous procedures, constant controls, and the use of management systems compliant with current regulations.

Every phase—from receipt to dispensing—is monitored with the utmost care, because medication safety is most of all a moral responsibility, in addition to a professional one. The Vatican Pharmacy has well-defined internal protocols and procedures that regulate work areas and ensure safe and controlled product management.

What quality and safety standards guide the Pharmacy’s activities?

The Vatican Pharmacy’s activities are guided by high standards of quality, transparency, and reliability, reflected both in internal management and in relations with users.

Particular attention is given to Vatican Pharmacy–branded products, which represent a concrete example of balance among quality, price, and identity. This line is now among the most appreciated and best-selling, confirming the trust users place in our service.

Are digital systems planned for inventory and prescription management?

The digital systems already in use will continue to be employed and progressively refined for increasingly accurate management of inventory and prescriptions.

As early as 2022, with the support of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems, digitalization processes and automatic replenishment mechanisms based on minimum stock levels at sales points were introduced.

Further improvements will result from the introduction of the new warehouse automation system. Proposals will also be evaluated for submission to the Governing Bodies to improve display and storage levels in the Parapharmacy, followed by budgeting and implementation phases.

In 2026 the focus will not be so much on introducing new tools as on making better use of existing ones, through targeted training and greater operational awareness.

How is digitalization used to improve efficiency and user service?

Digitalization is a fundamental tool for improving internal efficiency and reducing waiting times.

A system for monitoring flows and waiting times is already active and visible on the homepage of the official Vatican Pharmacy website. A dedicated area for managing “pending items” is also available, accessible to users via credentials provided at the time of booking.

The complete list of Vatican Pharmacy–branded products has also been finalized, structured into three categories and made available for operational consultation by the various areas involved.

Smart labels have also been introduced, allowing real-time price updates at points of sale and ensuring accurate and transparent information.
A well-organized system enables staff to devote more time to their relationship with users, which remains the heart of pharmaceutical service.

How are services and health information communicated?

Communication takes place primarily through direct contact, dialogue at the counter, and the clarity of the information provided.

The Parapharmacy experience has confirmed that simple, consistent, and human communication is often the most effective, especially when supported by quality products such as those under the Vatican Pharmacy brand.

The website also includes a section dedicated to communicating current and upcoming promotional items, supporting transparent and accessible communication.

What indicators are used to monitor the effectiveness of the 2026 program?

The effectiveness of the 2026 program will be monitored through concrete indicators such as supply regularity, inventory management, sales performance, the level of internal organization, and user feedback.

A fundamental indicator will also remain the team’s work climate, because a cohesive and motivated group forms the basis of any quality service.

What are the main challenges and future opportunities for the Vatican Pharmacy?

The main challenges are linked to organizational complexity and the need to coordinate multiple operational realities in a harmonious and efficient way.

At the same time, opportunities are significant: the growth of the Vatican Pharmacy brand, the positive results of the Parapharmacy at the Braccio Carlo Magno, and the experience gained through teamwork provide a solid foundation for facing the future with confidence, realism, and an authentic spirit of service.