Billing pharmacy networks grows 9% by 2017, says Abrafarma

SÃO PAULO-sales of pharmacies in the country have risen nearly 9% last year to 44.4 billion reais, said on Monday the Abrafarma, association representing 26 major industry networks in the country. The growth was driven by the sale of prescription drugs, said the organisation in a statement. The drug trade totaled 30.23 billion dollars, an increase of 9,34% over a year before. Already selling products "no drugs" (hygiene items, cosmetics, perfumery and convenience) accounted 14.17 billion reais, 7% expansion compared to the previous year. "The recovery of the economy and the resumption of household consumption will mark a rise in demand for welfare and convenience items, contributing to increasing the participation of associated with double-digit advances," said the Chief Executive of Abrafarma, Sergio Mena Barreto. The generics segment, played by Hypera Pharma and EMS, had 6,4% expansion in sales, to 5.25 billion reais, according to Abrafarma, which represents networks like RD, pay less and Panvel. According to Abrafarma in 2017 the number of stores increased 7, 5%, 6,763 points of sale to 7,240 units.