- Pharmacy clinics have grown so much that they already offer more general consultations than the IMSS.
- Farmacias Similares is the leader in this field in Mexico.
- Part of its success lies in the fact that it not only offers medicines at affordable prices but also instant consultations.
Health is a fundamental aspect in all people and cannot be neglected. Although one of the problems is that many patients consider it an expense and not an investment. Similarly, there are millions of Mexicans who lack social security. For the same reason, they tend to look for the cheapest services when they require the attention of a private doctor and has been one of the reasons for the success of Farmacias Similares.
Since its foundation, this alternative has had the motto of “the same but cheaper”. It was in 1997 when the first branch of this chain was opened. From the beginning, it achieved significant growth and that led to an idea that completely changed the health sector.
The next step was to install consulting rooms next to each of their pharmacies to extend their service. It is a model that has triumphed because it is designed for patients, although at the same time it affects doctors. There are not a few who consider that their profession has been devalued.
To date, it is described as the largest drug retail chain in Mexico and Latin America. In 2019 alone, there were 6,400 pharmacies in the country. While more branches are constantly being opened throughout the entire national territory.
This same model has also been replicated by other chains such as Guadalajara Pharmacies, Savings Pharmacies and San Pablo Pharmacies, among other. They all stand out for offering instant general services at affordable prices. The best way to measure your success is that the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) affirms that altogether they already offer more daily consultations than the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS).
But the discussion was generated by the publication of a doctor on social networks. His question was about whether Going to a consultation at Similar Pharmacies is synonymous with going to a private doctor. From then on, a debate with divided opinions began.
The user who opened the discussion was Dr. Love and he himself complemented it with his own conclusion. He points out that by definition, if it is not a public institution and the service is paid for, then automatically it is private. Although he indicates that there are many people who do not consider it that way.
Do you consider the similar as going to the “private” doctor?
— Dr Love (@DRLOVEMX) June 8, 2022
In this sense, at least in Mexico there is the idea that a private doctor it charges high prices for its service and is only available to the upper classes. Although reality is not like that because when talking about health, money is always subjective.
How much does it cost to be a doctor in Mexico?
In the same way, the investment that each doctor makes to be able to get to where he is must be taken into account. From the university the expenses for the constant purchase of uniforms, utensils and books begin.
While during the rotation and social service expenses increase because you literally have to live inside a hospital or clinic. Although there are scholarships and financial support, most are minimal and only work to pay for transportation.