A local look at Somerset West’s new 24-hour pharmacy, UniCare
I finally had a reason to stop by UniCare.
I finally had a reason to stop by UniCare.
I finally had a reason to stop by UniCare, the relatively new 24-hour pharmacy that opened in Somerset West. While I have fortunately never found myself in a true midnight medical emergency, I often hit that Sunday afternoon wall where my local chemist is closed, and I am stuck waiting until Monday morning to sort out a prescription or basic health need. Knowing there is now a permanent 24/7 option at the Meltz centre definitely changes the weekend planning.
What struck me first was the sheer scale of the place. It is large, exceptionally neat, and clinical in a way that feels reliable. While it carries the familiar range of Clicks products, UniCare seems to operate on a different level. Beyond the standard aisles of personal care and grooming, the store features dedicated departments that you typically only find in hospital-linked facilities.
There is a massive orthopaedic section stocked with everything from walkers and rollators to specialised surgical appliances and recovery supports. I noticed they also have a heavy focus on incontinence products and professional wound care, which makes sense for a facility that positions itself as an ‘always open’ healthcare hub.
The back of the store houses a proper reception area for their on-site clinics. According to the signage, they cover a broad spectrum of services including baby wellness, diabetes management, travel vaccinations, and even an IV lounge. It feels less like a quick-stop shop and more like a primary care centre.
One of the more interesting things I spotted in their literature was a ‘Blister Packing Service’. They essentially organise a patient’s multiple prescriptions into dated, safe compartments to prevent dosing errors. It is a thoughtful touch, particularly for the elderly or those managing complex medication schedules.
Access is quite straightforward. You can pull in from either Sanctuary Drive or Broadway Boulevard, and there is ample parking right in front of the entrance. The shopfront is clear about its security too, with notices for CCTV, armed response, and a dropsafe system.
For those who cannot make the trip, they offer a courier service within a 10km radius. If things are truly dire and you cannot get hold of the pharmacist on duty, their external signage even lists Busamed Hospital as the next alternative facility. It is a solid addition to Somerset West, providing a level of accessibility that the area has lacked for a long time.
I’m a wife, mother and local publisher who traded Johannesburg and two years abroad for life in Somerset West. Through HelderbergStuff, I share lifestyle stories, local discoveries and noteworthy developments across Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay. For media and collaboration enquiries: marina@helderbergstuff.co.za
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