Summary

The Middle East & Africa region has experienced significant digital transformation in recent years, with increased internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and access to technology. This transformation has created opportunities for the growth of e-pharmacy platforms, enabling consumers to access healthcare products and services conveniently. Furthermore, some countries in the Middle East & Africa region face challenges related to medication shortages. E-pharmacies can help address this issue by providing a wider range of medications and facilitating the importation of pharmaceutical products from other countries, thereby improving access to essential medicines. Moreover, in some countries within the MEA region, cash-on-delivery is a preferred payment method due to lower credit card penetration and consumer trust issues with online transactions. E-pharmacies in the region often offer COD options, allowing customers to pay for their orders upon delivery. This payment model caters to the specific needs and preferences of the local population. In addition, some e-pharmacy platforms in the MEA region collaborate with local brick-and-mortar pharmacies to facilitate order fulfilment, enabling customers to collect their medications from a nearby pharmacy or receive home delivery. These partnerships combine the convenience of e-commerce with the expertise and accessibility of local pharmacies.

According to the research report “Middle East & Africa E-Pharmacy Market Outlook, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, The market is projected to reach market size of USD 8.80 Billion by 2028. Telemedicine, which involves remote consultations with healthcare professionals, is becoming increasingly prevalent in the MEA e-pharmacy market. E-pharmacy platforms are integrating telemedicine services, allowing customers to consult with doctors online, receive prescriptions, and order medications from the same platform. Furthermore, e-pharmacies are addressing the healthcare needs of rural and underserved areas in the MEA region. They are reaching out to remote regions where access to quality healthcare is limited, providing a convenient and reliable channel for obtaining medications and healthcare products. Moreover, the MEA e-pharmacy market is witnessing continuous technological advancements. This includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized recommendations, chatbots for customer support, blockchain for secure transactions, and mobile apps for an enhanced user experience. These technologies enhance efficiency, security, and user engagement in the e-pharmacy ecosystem. In addition, e-pharmacies are leveraging the popularity of wearable devices and health monitoring technologies. They offer a range of wearable devices, such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitoring devices. These devices enable users to track their health parameters, monitor fitness goals, and provide valuable data for personalized healthcare recommendations.

Saudi Arabia has a large population, making it a significant market for e-pharmacy services. Moreover, the country has witnessed high internet penetration rates, with a large number of individuals having access to smartphones and the internet. This has created a conducive environment for the growth of e-commerce, including the e-pharmacy sector. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of e-pharmacy services in Saudi Arabia. The need for social distancing and restrictions on movement have encouraged individuals to explore online purchasing options. E-pharmacies have played a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of healthcare services and the safe delivery of medications during the pandemic. Moreover, Saudi Arabia is known for its high per capita income, which translates into higher purchasing power for individuals. This disposable income allows consumers to afford online purchases, including medications and healthcare products from e-pharmacies. The willingness to spend on quality healthcare products further drives the growth of the e-pharmacy market in the country. In addition, e-pharmacy platforms in South Africa play a crucial role in addressing healthcare access challenges in rural and remote areas. These platforms provide individuals living in underserved regions with a convenient and reliable means of accessing medications and healthcare products without the need to travel long distances. Furthermore, South Africa has established a regulatory framework for e-pharmacy operations to ensure the safety and quality of medications and healthcare products sold online. The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) regulates and licenses e-pharmacy platforms, ensuring compliance with professional and ethical standards.

E-pharmacies in the MEA region offer a wide range of prescription drugs through their online platforms. Customers can upload their prescription or provide relevant medical information, and the e-pharmacy verifies the prescription and dispenses the medications accordingly. Furthermore, prescription drugs refer to medications that require a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a pharmacist. These medications are typically used for the treatment of specific health conditions and require professional supervision. In addition, e-pharmacies in the MEA region offer a wide range of OTC drugs through their online platforms. Customers can browse through various categories and select the OTC medications they need. Furthermore, e-pharmacies priorities the availability and accessibility of OTC drugs, ensuring a wide range of options for customers. This allows individuals to conveniently purchase common healthcare products and self-treat minor ailments without the need for a prescription or a visit to a physical pharmacy.

Skin care products for skin diseases and injuries are a significant segment of the MEA e-pharmacy market. These products cater to individuals with various dermatological conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin injuries like burns or wounds. Furthermore, the convenience of ordering skin care products online allows individuals to access a broader range of specialised products and treatments that may not be readily available in physical pharmacies. E-pharmacies ensure the authenticity and quality of these products, providing peace of mind to customers. In addition, urology products for bladder, kidney, and prostate health are another significant category in the MEA e-pharmacy market. These products cater to individuals with urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostate issues, and other urological conditions. Furthermore, e-pharmacies in the MEA region offer a selection of naturopathic products, often sourced from reputable natural health brands. These products aim to promote overall wellness, support specific health goals, and complement traditional healthcare practises.

Noon Health is an e-pharmacy platform based in the Middle East. It offers a wide range of healthcare and pharmacy services, including online medicine ordering, prescription management, and home delivery. Noon Health operates in several countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Jordan. Furthermore, Souq, which is owned by Amazon, operates a dedicated pharmacy section in select Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Customers can order prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and health products through the platform. Moreover, BasharaCare is a popular e-pharmacy platform in the United Arab Emirates that specializes in skincare, beauty, and wellness products. Customers can find a wide range of skincare brands, beauty products, and supplements on their website and have them delivered to their doorstep. In addition, Dis-Chem is a well-known pharmacy retail chain in South Africa, and they also operate an e-pharmacy platform called Dis-Chem Online. Customers can order medications, health products, vitamins, and beauty items from their website and have them delivered to their desired location.

Recent Developments:
• In September 2021, Noon Health secured $5 million in a seed funding round led by Global Ventures. Furthermore, Noon Health partnered with TATVAN Prescriptions, a digital prescription platform, to enhance its prescription management and delivery services.
• In 2021, Seif Pharmacy launched an AI-powered chatbot on its website and mobile app to provide customers with personalized assistance and support. Furthermore, The Company introduced "Seif Plus," a subscription-based service that offers benefits such as free home delivery, exclusive discounts, and priority customer support.
• In 2021, BasharaCare announced partnerships with several renowned beauty and skincare brands, expanding its product range and offering customers a wider selection of high-quality products. Furthermore, The Company launched a loyalty program called "BasharaRewards," allowing customers to earn points on their purchases and redeem them for discounts and rewards.

Major Companies present in the market:
Walmart Inc.,Al Nahdi Medical Company, Dis-Chem, Al-Dawaa pharmacies , Clicks Group.

Considered in this report
• Geography: Middle East & Africa
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Countries covered in the report:
• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

Aspects covered in this report
• Middle East & Africa 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.














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