optimization. Further, our systems help us identify, track and redistribute products that are nearing their expiry date
and other non-moving stock which is then redistributed to a store that is experiencing high demand for that product.
Real-time reporting and visibility on our key performance indicators is carried out through supervisory dashboards
and reporting modules developed for various management levels, with a large range of reports automatically generated
by our systems. Automatic alerts are also triggered whenever there is a performance deviation at any stage of our
supply chain, including sourcing, warehousing or distribution, enabling our supervisors to intervene and identify and
rectify the deviation.

Competition

We compete with pharmacy retailers that operate (i) omni-channel platforms, (ii) offline-only retail chains or (iii) online-only
retail platforms. Such competitors include Apollo Pharmacy, Wellness Forever, Frank Ross Pharmacy, Noble Plus Pharmacy
& Skin Care, Tata Img, NetMeds, and PharmEasy.

CSR Initiatives

We believe in contributing to the communities in which we operate. While being focused on sustained economic performance,
we are also aware of the necessity and importance of social stewardship.

As part of our corporate social responsibility initiatives, we have made donations to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund
as well as other regional charitable organisations such as Hyderabad Eye Institute, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Eklavya
Foundation — Akshaya Vidya, Sri Saraswathi Vidya Preetham Schools, Vivekananda Pratibha Jyothi Trust and Bharat Vikas
Parishad Charitable Trust.

Insurance

We maintain insurance policies customary for our industry to cover certain risks, including fire and other natural and accidental
risks at our stores, laboratories, and warehouses. Additionally, we maintain stock, money, vehicle and D&O insurance. We
believe that our insurance policies and coverage are sufficient for our business and operational needs.

Human Resources

As on September 30, 2021, we had a total of 15,620 permanent full-time in-house employees working for us in a range of
business activities. A list setting out the various departments in which our employees are hired by us is set out below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Department Number of employees
As of September 30, 2021

Store Operations 12,046

Procurement, Storing and Distribution 2,374

Infrastructure and Maintenance 216

Operations and Support 124

Laboratories 109

Finance and Accounts 83

Software 95

Opticals 87

Marketing and Customer Care 68

Human Resource and Training 75

Networking 67

Others 276

Total 15,620

 

 

 

 

In addition to the above, we also rely upon a large number of third-party service providers and independent contractors providing
services in connection with ancillary activities integral to our business operations.

Certifications and Awards

For details of our awards, see “History and Certain Corporate Matters” on page 169.

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