A pharmacy must be open for at least how many hours a week?

The requirement for a pharmacy to be open for a minimum of 20 hours a week is set to ensure that the community has sufficient access to pharmaceutical services. This regulation is critical for maintaining public health and safety, as it guarantees that patients can receive their prescriptions and necessary consultations.

Having a pharmacy open at least 20 hours a week allows for a reasonable level of availability for customers, facilitating access to medications and professional guidance. It also implies that a pharmacy can effectively serve its patients while managing operational and staffing challenges typically associated with the pharmacy setting. Therefore, this standard strikes a balance between providing essential services to the community and ensuring that pharmacies can run efficiently.

The other options suggest lower hours, which may not adequately meet the needs of the population by limiting access to necessary medications and healthcare advice. The establishment of a minimum weekly hour requirement is a fundamental aspect of pharmacy operations, aimed at promoting public health.