Nahdi shut 75 pharmacies, opened 18 larger in 2022 to provide primary healthcare services: CEO

Yasser Joharj, CEO of Nahdi Medical Co.

Nahdi Medical Co. closed almost 75 pharmacies but opened 18 larger pharmacies to provide primary healthcare services in the first nine months of 2022, CEO Yasser Joharji told Argaam on the sidelines of the Saudi Capital Market Forum 2023.

This decision was taken last year, in light of Nahdi’s focus on the quality of services rather than the number of pharmacies. "We maintained the number of customers and offered online services," he noted.

The company's technical services contributed to its revenues by more than 10%, the CEO said, stressing that the firm aims to increase this contribution during the coming period.

The medical services provider opened its fourth primary care center, which includes 20 specialties, in Jeddah almost a week ago. It also plans to open new primary care centers in other regions of the Kingdom.

Almost 80% of patients need primary care services instead of visiting hospitals, which enhances integration in the health sector, Joharji said.

Nahdi medical branches are available in more than 130 cities and villages, and Nahdi pharmacies have approximately 48 clinics to provide non-urgent care services to customers. The company also has Nahdi Online platforms and Nahdi Care clinics that provide telemedicine services.

However, the company's strategy does not target hospitals operation, Joharji concluded.