Pharmacy expansion developments in Portugal and Brazil

In Portugal, the National Authority of Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed) is finalizing the selection process for a second pharmacy in Arruda dos Vinhos. Following a public tender launched in March, 808 applications were submitted. After an initial review to exclude candidates who did not meet the necessary requirements, the process is entering its final phase of analyzing candidate responses. Once the list of admitted candidates is published, the right to install and operate the pharmacy will be determined via a lottery.

In Brazil, the Cencosud group has opened its first pharmacy located inside a supermarket at the GBarbosa RioMar unit in Aracaju. This move follows Law No. 15.357, which authorized the installation of pharmacies and drugstores within supermarket sales areas, provided they meet legal and sanitary requirements. While Cencosud has operated pharmacies under the GBarbosa brand for 25 years, they were previously located outside the main stores. The new integrated model requires exclusive areas and the presence of qualified pharmacists during all operating hours.