South America E-Pharmacy Market Outlook, 2028

In South America, the rapid growth of internet penetration has created a conducive environment for the development and adoption of e-pharmacy services. With more people gaining access to the internet, there is a larger customer base for e-pharmacies to target. Increased internet connectivity allows individuals to easily access e-pharmacy platforms, browse through a wide range of products, and place orders conveniently from their devices. Furthermore, the widespread use of smartphones in South America has been a significant driver for the e-pharmacy market. Smartphones have become an integral part of people's lives, providing them with the means to access e-pharmacy platforms on the go. The convenience of mobile applications and mobile-optimized websites enables customers to order medications and healthcare products seamlessly, irrespective of their location. Moreover, there has been an increase in healthcare awareness among the population in South America. Individuals are becoming more proactive about their health and seeking information and solutions to address their healthcare needs. E-pharmacies provide a platform for individuals to access vital healthcare products, medications, and information, empowering them to make informed decisions about their well-being. In addition, South America is witnessing a demographic shift with an increasing ageing population. This demographic trend translates into a higher demand for medications and healthcare products. E-pharmacies cater to the specific needs of this demographic segment by offering a wide range of geriatric care products, chronic disease management solutions, and home healthcare equipment. The convenience and accessibility of e-pharmacy services are particularly valuable to the elderly population, which may face mobility challenges.

According to the research report, South America E-Pharmacy Market Outlook, 2028 the market is anticipated to add more than USD 6 Billion from 2023 to 2028. Some e-pharmacies in South America have partnerships or integrations with health insurance providers. This allows customers to easily process their insurance claims for prescribed medications and healthcare products. The integration streamlines the reimbursement process and provides a seamless experience for customers. Furthermore, given that online payment methods may not be accessible or preferred by all individuals in South America, some e-pharmacies offer a cash-on-delivery option. This allows customers to pay for their orders in cash when they receive the products. Cash-on-delivery provides a convenient and secure payment alternative for customers who may not have access to online payment systems. In addition, since Spanish and Portuguese are the primary languages spoken in South America, e-pharmacies in the region typically provide comprehensive language support in these languages. This ensures that customers can navigate the platform, read product descriptions, and communicate with customer service representatives effectively. In addition, e-pharmacies are investing in efficient last-mile delivery systems to ensure timely and reliable medication delivery. They collaborate with logistics providers and employ innovative delivery methods such as drones or localized fulfilment centres. This focus on last-mile delivery addresses the challenges of distance, traffic, and accessibility, particularly in urban areas with high population densities.

Brazil has the largest e-pharmacy market in South America, driven by factors such as the large population, increasing internet penetration, and growing consumer demand for convenient healthcare solutions. Furthermore, Brazil has established regulations to ensure the safe and legitimate operation of e-pharmacies. The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) sets guidelines for the sale of medicines online, including requirements for the storage, distribution, and dispensing of pharmaceutical products. E-pharmacies must comply with these regulations to maintain customer trust and ensure patient safety. Moreover, several prominent e-pharmacy players operate in Brazil, including major pharmacy chains, online marketplaces, and specialized e-pharmacy platforms. Notable players include Droga Raia, Drogasil, Netfarma, and Onofre. In addition, Colombian regulations require a prescription for the purchase of prescription medications. E-pharmacies in Colombia typically request that customers upload their prescriptions for verification before dispensing the medications. This requirement ensures proper oversight and prevents unauthorized access to prescription drugs. Furthermore, e-pharmacies in Colombia offer various payment methods, including cash on delivery, online payment gateways, and mobile payment options. Delivery services are typically available nationwide, with reliable logistics partners facilitating prompt and secure product delivery. For instance, e-pharmacy platforms in Colombia include Farmatodo, Cruz Verde, and Linio. These platforms offer a wide range of pharmaceutical products and healthcare services.

South American countries have been developing regulatory frameworks to govern the e-pharmacy sector, ensuring patient safety and quality standards. These regulations aim to address issues such as prescription verification, medication authenticity, data protection, and proper storage and handling of medications. Furthermore, e-pharmacies often offer competitive pricing for prescription drugs due to reduced overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar pharmacies. This can result in cost savings for patients, making healthcare more affordable and accessible, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions requiring long-term medication. In addition, as South America is a diverse region with various languages spoken, e-pharmacies may provide OTC drug information in multiple languages to cater to a wider audience. This feature ensures that individuals from different language backgrounds can access essential information about OTC medications. Furthermore, e-pharmacies may feature sections dedicated to seasonal health concerns or travel-related health needs. They offer OTC medications tailored to address seasonal allergies, cold and flu symptoms, motion sickness, or other health issues commonly experienced during specific seasons or travel situations.

The South American e-pharmacy market for allergy and food intolerance products encompasses a range of medications, supplements, and specialized food products. Furthermore, e-pharmacies offer a variety of over-the-counter allergy medications, including antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. These medications help alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and watery eyes caused by allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander, or other allergens. In addition, the e-pharmacy market in South America for stomach, intestines, and digestion products focuses on providing relief and support for digestive health issues. Moreover, e-pharmacies offer antacids and acid reducers to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion. These products help neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief from discomfort. In addition, the e-pharmacy market for naturopathy products in South America focuses on natural and herbal remedies for various health conditions. Furthermore, e-pharmacies offer a wide range of herbal supplements, including traditional herbal remedies, plant extracts, and botanical formulations.

Major Companies present in the market:

Amazon.Com, Inc., Walmart Inc., Rite Aid Corporation, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., McKesson Corporation, CVS Health Corporation, Farmalisto S.A.S, Well Pharmacy.

Considered in this report

• Geography: South America
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Countries covered in the report:

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia

Aspects covered in this report

• South America E-Pharmacy market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Drug Type

• Prescription drug
• Over-the-counter drug

By Product Type Channel

• Skin Care (Skin diseases & skin injuries)
• Allergy & food intolerance, Stomach, Intestines & Digestion
• Diabetes Care
• Heart care, circulation & veins, BP, cholesterol
• Orthopedic (muscles, bones, joints)
• Urology (Bladder, Kidney & Prostate)
• Animal pharmacy
• Naturopathy
• ENT (Eyes, ears, Tooth & Mouth)
• Cold flu
• vitamins & minerals
• Cosmetics
• Painkiller
• Others (gynec, Calm down, sleep & stress, sexuality, Lose weight, Diet & Lifestyle, Self-tests & everyday aids, smoking cessation)

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to ready to E-Pharmacy industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.