For a growing number of customers, a pharmacy visit begins with a question about staying healthy rather than a prescription. AS Watson says that interest in preventive care and self-care helped push its global health sales up 10 percent over the past year.
The parent company of Watsons Philippines reported the growth as it marked World Pharmacists Day, highlighting the work of more than 3,300 pharmacists and nearly 10,000 health professionals across its network of over 1,770 pharmacies worldwide.
Its survey of more than 11,000 people in 10 European and Asian markets found that 43 percent turn to health products because of a health concern. Advice from healthcare professionals influences 41 percent, while recommendations from family and friends influence 32 percent.
Customers are doing their homework, too. Eighty-two percent research products online, 49 percent consult a health professional and 44 percent browse products in stores. At the point of purchase, price and promotions lead their considerations at 56 percent, followed by brand trust at 48 percent and product benefits at 45 percent.
The findings give pharmacists a role in helping customers sort through those choices. In the Philippines, Watsons is providing its pharmacists with specialized training in diabetes and respiratory care through programs with Diabetes Philippines, the Philippine College of Chest Physicians and the Philippine Pharmacists Association.
Peter Macnab, AS Watson’s international commercial director, said the company aims to make preventive healthcare more accessible by combining professional advice with services in stores and online.
