GoMed, an online marketplace for community pharmacies has launched in Lagos to provide on-the-go access to safe medicines, health products and services for Nigerians, a strategic move to tap into the thriving Nigeria pharma market which is estimated at $2.5 billion.
GoMed partners with community pharmacies across Nigeria, providing them with the tools to showcase their inventory while exposing them to millions of potential customers within their communities.
According to the online platform, community pharmacies regardless of size are able to digitise their sales process to reach even more customers, while users can access an array of pharmaceutical products ranging from prescription drugs to personal care and supplements. Users are also able to order medical equipment, speak with pharmacists or even consult a doctor.
Speaking at the launch, Aaron Grandy, partner and co-founder of GoMed Nigeria, said the solution was inspired by the need to provide the tools and resources that pharmacy businesses need to take their services online and scale their operations in the most efficient and profitable manner.
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“Most community pharmacies are so busy running their business that they don’t have spare time and resources to build up an online shop with 5,000 to 10,000+ products, manage branding, marketing and communications, plus coordinate deliveries all at the same time.”
“With all these challenges in mind, we asked pharmacy owners and managers if an online solution that they could tap into, enhance their brand and reach more customers would be of interest to them and of course, it was a resounding yes!” Grandy said.
Immediate benefits of the platform to pharmacy partners include increased sales via online channels, and brand visibility through showcasing brand specialties and unique selling propositions.
Other benefits include conveniently serving a wider audience without fear of giving away their business, risking their brand, or losing their customers to the competition and unfettered access to digital tools for better visibility and business insights.
GoMed taps directly into the trust and loyalty that Nigerian community pharmacies have built over the years by being the first point of contact with patients, he said.
