Hungarian pharmacies in a changing situation

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 29. 10:21

The situation of pharmacies in Hungary deserves serious attention, as the sector has been affected by numerous changes in recent years. According to the 2024 report of the Association of Network Pharmacies (HGYSZ), the number of pharmacies increased again for the first time in six years at the end of the previous year, exceeding 2,900. However, the focus remains on sectoral uncertainties that could jeopardize the security of supply, the Index article points out.

The profession is worried

According to the latest data, the number of branch pharmacies operating mainly in small settlements has increased significantly, by 35 (5%), thus making local pharmaceutical supplies available to thousands of people. At the same time, the number of public pharmacies has decreased by seven, which may cause challenges in cities and larger settlements.

Traffic data and economic challenges

Pharmacy traffic increased in all categories:

Prescription products by 9%,

OTC products by 7%,

Other products by 6%.

However, the picture is more mixed in terms of box numbers: sales of OTC products decreased by 2%, while prescription products registered an increase of the same proportion. According to the HGYSZ forecast, traffic growth exceeding inflation is expected in 2025, which is mainly generated by the increase in the concept of subsidized prescription products.

Questionable government steps

Several government plans are also creating uncertainty in the sector. Such as

Outsourcing institutional pharmacies, which could provide state pharmacies with a significant competitive advantage over private pharmacies.

Introducing a Personalized Medicine Supply Center, which could help in underdeveloped regions, but could reduce the revenues of local pharmacies.

Planned expansion of the use of pharmacy vending machines, which could help with night and weekend service, but cannot replace professional advice.

Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County pilot project, which is currently only in the experimental stage, but according to industry players, it could transform the system in the long term.