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The beginnings of pharmacy in Koper

Around 1300

The first secular pharmacy in what is now Slovenia was established in Koper around 1300. The town already had a sufficient population and number of physicians, and its economic and administrative importance made it a key centre for the development of pharmacy services.

First written mention of the Palma family pharmacy “Alla Fenice”

1411

Historical sources contain the first mention of the Palma family pharmacy, considered one of the oldest known pharmacies in Slovenian Istria.

Pharmacy services in Piran

First half of the 15th century


A public pharmacy was already operating in Piran in the first half of the 15th century, confirming the long-standing tradition of pharmacy services in the coastal region.


Pharmacy diploma of Dr Nikolaj Fonda

1680

After passing the pharmacy examination in Venice before the Apothecaries’ Guild, Dr Nikolaj Fonda received a diploma authorising him to practise pharmacy throughout the Republic of Venice. He had studied and completed his training in accordance with the regulations of the time and had taken the required oath. The diploma stated that he was henceforth permitted and required to practise the art of pharmacy freely in any other cities, provinces and places under Venetian rule.

Pharmacy “Alla Fenice”

19. century

The “Alla Fenice” pharmacy (owned by the Palma family) operated in the premises where the residents of Koper still obtain their medicines today until 1959.

In memory of the original pharmacy, the present-day pharmacy displays an original pharmacy cabinet with pharmaceutical containers, bearing witness to more than five centuries of pharmacy tradition in the town. The remaining containers, furniture and part of the galenic laboratory are exhibited in the pharmacy collection at the Praetorian Palace. The original pharmacy dispensary has been entrusted to the care of the Koper Regional Museum.


Pharmacies in Slovenian Istria after the Second World War

20. century


At the end of the Second World War, six pharmacies and one pharmacy branch were operating in the coastal towns of Slovenian Istria.


Establishment of public pharmacies

after 1945


After the Second World War, the development of pharmacy services began with the abolition of private pharmacies. By decisions of the people’s committees of the municipalities of Izola, Koper and Piran, financially independent healthcare institutions were established: Lekarna Piran, Lekarna Koper and, finally, Lekarna Izola.

Establishment of Obalne lekarne Koper

1966


The financially independent institutions Lekarna Izola, Lekarna Koper and Lekarna Piran merged to form a single institution, Obalne lekarne Koper, headquartered in Koper, establishing a unified organisation for pharmacy services throughout Slovenian Istria.

Integration into Koper Health Centre

1978

All healthcare institutions in southern Primorska and the Karst region were reorganised into basic organisations of associated labour, forming a unified working organisation known as Koper Health Centre.

Regaining organisational independence

1989

Following a referendum, Obalne lekarne Koper was reorganised as an independent working organisation.

Transformation into a public institution

1991

Following the adoption of the Institutions Act, one of the acts underpinning the independence of the Republic of Slovenia, the organisation changed its legal status and became the public institution Obalne lekarne Koper.