Independent Pharmacies in Costa Rica

Many pharmacies are trying to penetrate deeper into the market with low pricing policies so as to enable rapid expansion of their sales.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Among such are Pharmacy La Bomba, pharmacies Santa Lucia, Dr. Ahorro, Asís y Residencial del Norte.

Supply of medicines at such low prices is the result of the large sales volumes they can handle, said representatives of some of these establishments.

"Several of them are part of the Farmacias Condefa chain, relaunched two months ago, which is composed of over 100 independent stores in different parts of the country.

Its president, Mauricio Ocampo, said the group has the opportunity to negotiate purchases for large volumes with distribution and laboratories. ‘The idea is to provide the final consumer with much more competitive prices, more variety and more services'”, he told Nacion.com

¿Busca soluciones de inteligencia comercial para su empresa?



More on this topic

High Price of Medicines in Costa Rica

December 2012

A study by the Universidad de Costa Rica notes that one company controls the distribution of 80% of drugs sold, with price differences of up to 1,000%.

An article in Nacion.com reports that there is "little or no competition in the private sector of medicine, product of an industry that is "highly concentrated", causing Costa Rica to have higher drug prices compared to other Central American countries."

Drug Prices Regulation Project Questioned

November 2012

Although the bill that regulates the drug prices in Costa Rica, is based on good 'intentions', imposing maximum prices and profits for the pharmaceutical industry is not right.

So said Deputy Economy Minister Marvin Rodriguez, regarding bill 17. 738, on drug price regulation, which imposes limits on drug prices.

Regulation Causes Rise in Drug Prices

November 2011

The Superintendency of Competition of El Salvador (SC) has confirmed the existence of barriers of entry and regulatory issues that are raising drug prices.

During Competitiveness Week 2011, the SC held a public event at which the Board's position regarding competition in the drug sector was announced.

Guatemala rejects pharmaceutical industry's plea for price increases

May 2008

The Guatemalan government refused to give in to demands from the pharmaceutical industry for a new contract between the two sides that would include higher prices. Both parties opted instead to continue the present agreement until next year.

In February agreement was reached on a 6 percent price increase through August, but the industry wants to raise it to 15 percent.

ok