On 25 September, the global community comes together to celebrate World Pharmacists Day, highlighting the essential role pharmacists play in promoting health and wellness. Watsons Philippines, alongside its parent company AS Watson, honors over 3,000 pharmacists who are at the forefront of providing trusted healthcare to customers.
“On this special day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to more than 3,000 pharmacists and over 9,000 health professionals who work with AS Watson around the world, making our retail network a preferred destination for trusted health advice, health services and products,” said Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson.
The Power of Personal Health Interaction
“Our pharmacists play a vital role in the shopping experience, offering the human interaction that instills confidence and reassurance in customers seeking health solutions,” Malina continued.
AS Watson’s insights reveal a notable increase in customer demand for health products. Health-conscious shoppers spend three times more than non-health shoppers, with the vitamins and dietary supplements (VDS) category experiencing over 10% growth and medicated skincare solutions seeing over 20% year-on-year growth. Additionally, young customers are increasingly prioritizing wellness, contributing to a 20% surge in demand for health-related products.
Addressing Growing Health Needs
“We are witnessing sustainable growth in our health and wellness retail sales over multiple years. In response to this global demand, we expanded our health product range by nearly 20%. Besides, we have introduced new digitally enabled services in many markets,” Malina explained.
Global Pharmacist Network App
In an exciting development, AS Watson is launching a global network app for its International Pharmacist Network. Malina shared, “To mark the significance of our pharmacists and our commitment to empowering them to serve our customers to lead healthier lives, we are launching a global network app exclusively for the AS Watson International Pharmacists Network. The app serves as an exchange platform for our health professionals from around the world to acquire new knowledge, exchange best practices and to support each other across our markets.”
O+O Health Services
AS Watson’s commitment to health extends beyond products, offering integrated O+O (Offline + Online) services, including consultations and health checks supported by its global network of pharmacists.
Watsons Philippines: Leading Local Health Efforts
In the Philippines, Watsons pharmacists provide convenient, accessible health services, from medication advice to administering vaccines for flu, pneumonia, HPV, Hepatitis B, and shingles. Additionally, Watsons offers consultation services, including free blood pressure monitoring, ensuring customers receive comprehensive care.
The company’s “Ask your Watsons pharmacist” campaign further strengthens its credibility by offering expert health advice to empower customers to look good, feel great, and live healthier lives.
World Pharmacists Day recognizes the invaluable contributions of pharmacists. With new initiatives like the global network app and enhanced health services, Watsons continues to empower pharmacists to shape a healthier future for the Philippines and beyond.
