Shape the future of consumer health.
The healthcare market has been transformed over the past decades. This transformation was not solely caused by scientific breakthroughs, with digitalization and globalization greatly contributing to the way we think about and treat medicines nowadays.
Though the online scene has not yet overtaken brick-and-mortar pharmacies, the last three years already tell us that at least a partial restructuring of the market is unavoidable. While online sales have increased sharply, it still accounted for a modest share (~1.6%) of the non-prescription market in 2020 – though it is worth noting that this figure is considerably higher in some specific markets. Shares are expected to rise, however, as more patients become familiar with online shopping, and as online pharmacies – of which more than 80 are currently registered with the OGYEI – begin improving their service offerings.
IQVIA Consumer Health expects the Hungarian e-Pharmacy market share to reach 5-6% by the end of 2023 - e-Commerce is undoubtedly a channel that cannot be ignored in the mid- to long-term.
The growth of e-Commerce in the Hungarian pharmacy space started well ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has simply amplified its importance. The initial spikes caused by lockdown restrictions in March and November 2020 did not just have a temporary impact but continues to raise sales levels as customers accept and adopt online channels.
As of now, online sales still make up only a fraction of the healthcare sales in Hungary, but all available evidence points to the same conclusion—change is unavoidable. A few percentage points between the traditional retail and e-Commerce market shares may have limited impact for now, but the size of the prize is rapidly growing.
For a global perspective on the e-Pharmacy landscape, download our whitepaper “ePharmacy and the new consumer.”
Also, check out ePharmacy – Impact of Covid-19 & New Consumer Expectations, a 20-minute recording from the AESGP Annual Meeting that took place on May 26-27, 2021.
Shape the future of consumer health.
Adapt fast, maintain momentum and stay relevant
Illuminate a path to consumer health success
See how we partner with organizations across the healthcare ecosystem, from emerging biotechnology and large pharmaceutical, to medical technology, consumer health, and more, to drive human health forward.