Trend in pharmacies in Panama: Consumers prioritize proximity and generics. Convenience and price define the behavior of the Panamanian consumer, with a 75% willingness to substitute brand-name medications for generics. The report reveals that four out of ten consumers have switched pharmacies in the last five years due to the cost of medicines. However, there is significant openness to saving: 75% of users would be willing to switch a brand-name drug for a generic one, as long as it has the pharmacist's recommendation or is immediately available. Transformation of the model and digitalization. Beyond the sale of products, a structural transformation is observed in the role of these centers. Logistics efficiency and the shift towards a more preventive and people-centered model will be key to strengthening the health ecosystem in Panama and the rest of the region. According to the findings of a recent consumer survey conducted by McKinsey & Company, these establishments are emerging as critical care centers in the face of an aging population and financial difficulties in accessing traditional check-ups. According to the regional study, which included Panama among the 14 analyzed countries, 55% of consumers in Latin America have postponed medical care in the last year. This reality is particularly relevant for the local market, where out-of-pocket spending on health remains a determining factor in household decisions, influenced by inflation that continues to generate pressure on the family budget. Convenience and access to medicines. McKinsey identifies that proximity is the decisive factor in choosing a location: 75% of consumers in the region go to the nearest pharmacy, and 70% take less than ten minutes to get there. Price remains the main reason for changing providers. Nearly 95% of consumers show interest in health and wellness applications, while 40% prioritize personalized prevention. This change seeks to reduce saturation in high-demand clinics and hospitals. Digitalization also presents itself as an axis of evolution. Although the online purchase of drugs is still incipient, there is ample room to develop solutions that improve treatment adherence and patient loyalty. Finally, the McKinsey study emphasizes that inventory availability is critical, as 40% of failed sales are due to out-of-stock issues. More than half of those surveyed express interest in receiving basic outpatient services, such as follow-up for chronic conditions or preventive medicine, directly at the establishments.
