Tiendas de Salud, Guatemala: A Qualitative Evaluation of a Micro-Pharmacy Franchise

There is growing interest in franchising as a model that can be applied to reach social, as well as commercial gains, particularly in global health. Tiendas de Salud is a rural pharmacy franchise that brings essential medicines to rural villages in Guatemala, which was incubated through donor-funding but has transitioned to commercial ownership. This case study examines the community effects of the franchise program through qualitative interviews, observation, and analysis of store records.