FIFTEEN years ago, there was less traffic. Jeepney fares were only P4. Gasoline was around P23/liter. Food was more affordable. The economy was growing. BPOs were called “call centers” because we didn’t know the difference.
And 15 years ago, generic medicine was perceived to be low-class quality, knock-offs, and inferior compared to the pricey “branded” medicines we’ve been accustomed to.
But, 15 years ago, that did not stop the founder, Ted Ferrer- a retired Ayala Executive, and co-founder Julien Bello- a French social worker to make their vision of making quality healthcare affordable and accessible to the Filipinos with the introduction of Generika Drugstore. As the country’s pioneer in the retail of high quality generic medicine from well-known pharmaceutical manufacturers from around the world, Generika Drugstore changed the game of the retail pharma industry.
And through the years, Generika Drugstore expanded nationwide with growing 750 stores in major cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and in the hundreds of neighborhoods or barangays.
Generika Drugstore continues to build its housebrand offerings under the brand names of Actimed Generics for high quality and affordable generic medicines and Nutrawell for their exclusive line of high quality and affordable food supplements that will enable their customers to achieve and sustain a healthier lifestyle.
Generika Drugstore also institutionalized in-store value-added services or PLUS Services such as MEDPadala – an electronic gift certificate used for medicine purchase, Gamot Guide – an instructional reminder given to customers for proper consumption and storage of the medicines, free BP check-ups, affordable Mobile Laboratory Tie-ups, and Libreng Konsulta to provide free medical consultation.
Today, Generika Drugstore is a proud member of AC Health- a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation, and serves as the portfolio company for healthcare businesses. Its vision is to build a synergistic ecosystem that links every patient to a seamless healthcare experience. Its portfolio includes Generika Drugstore, the pioneer in generic retail pharmacies, and FamilyDOC, a chain of community-based primary care clinics. AC Health is also investing in health technology through its HealthTech arm, Vigos, and MedGrocer, an FDA-licensed online pharmacy.
“Our partnership with Generika is a key pillar in our vision to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to a greater number of Filipinos,” shared Fernando Zobel de Ayala, President and COO of Ayala Corporation.
“With Generika, we have an established retail health footprint that serves as the first point of care in the community. With this, we see the enormous potential for Generika to become an enabler of preventive health and wellness,” he added.
Nationwide Libreng Konsulta
As Generika Drugstore celebrates an impressive milestone of serving the Filipinos for 15 years, a simultaneous Nationwide Libreng Konsulta was conducted on September 22, 2018 for the benefit of thousands of Filipinos across the country.
This was conducted in over 400 Generika stores nationwide where partner doctors offered free medical consultation, free BP check-ups, plus more. This is Generika Drugstore’s way staying true to its commitment of safeguarding its customers’ overall health.
“Our customers continue to inspire us in driving our business. The mere thought of helping a fellow man live a healthy life feels very rewarding. It may be simple as it sounds, but it is our contribution to building a progressive nation,” said Dino Francisco, President and CEO of Generika Drugstore.
Celebrating 15 years of health can only get better. Dito sa Generika Drugstore, hindi ka lang gagaling, sisiguraduhin naming Bubuti Ka.
To know more about Generika Drugstore, visit www.generika.com.ph or on Facebook @Generika.com.ph./PN
