Switch and Save to affordable Watsons Generics

Watsons a leading pharmacy retail brand in Asia recently launched its own line of multivitamins and medicines Watsons Generics last August 7, 2014 at Manila Peninsula together with its new ambassadors Lorna Tolentino and Edu Manzano.  They are admitted to switching from their branded multivitamins to Watsons generics before becoming its endorsers. Lorna Tolentino have tried Glutathione and Milk Thistle with Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin B1+ B6 + B12 and among others. Edu Manzano on the other hand have tried the Vitamin B1, B6 and B12 as well. They told the guests and media that they are happy with the healthy switch and is living a healthy lifestyle.

 Watsons Generics also held a free medical consultation on that day, free blood sugar test, blood pressure monitoring and BMI test, and provided free medicines to those who have suffered from illnesses such as diabetes and mild hypertension.

Health literacy remains to be a key health challenge not only in the Philippines but around the world, even in developed countries. With literacy and health both recognized as fundamental components of pursuing health and well being of the society according to World Health Organization, medical and health industry leaders highlight a new collaborative framework to help address the low health literacy in the country.

At the launch of Watsons Generics, Dr. Anthony Leachon, President of the Philippine College of Physicians, emphasized that health literacy plays a critical role in addressing the dismal health situation of Filipinos including poor health and high risk of hospitalization.

“There still are many gaps that need to be addressed to improve health literacy in the country. Poverty and lack of education remain to be some of biggest contributors that prevent patients to communicate, understand health information, and subsequently make sound decisions about their health. What we need is a pragmatic approach toward health literacy—not only involving the doctor and patient but also the pharmacist and product,” shared Dr. Leachon.

He further explained that the best way to address these gaps is to use a practical framework that illustrates how the physician, patient, pharmacist and product can work together to create a more health literate community. “Ultimately, health literacy is achieved when patients and providers truly understand each other,” he added.

Watsons Generics prides itself for maintaining highly trained pharmacists in all of its branches nationwide. These pharmacists aim to support consumers with their medical decisions, particularly in purchasing medicines and adhering to the doctor’s prescription.

“Pharmacists must do their part in educating the public through conversations with customers. The well being of our customers is at the core of everything we do, and by entering the generics industry, we enable Filipinos to remain vigilant in their decision-making process when it comes to their health care,” Chiong added.

Aside from making health information accessible to the public through its pharmacists, Watsons also empowers consumers with the launch of its own generics medicine line. The Watsons Generics line will offer a wide array of medicines and supplements that are manufactured by trusted partners to ensure that all products are of high quality, safe and effective while maintaining its affordability. By providing quality generic medicines to the public, Watsons aims to build trust amongst its consumers and encourage them to be more proactive on maintaining their health.


“We believe that the public and private sectors can collaboratively develop solutions to mitigate this problem of low health literacy. The new product line of Watsons Generics is a testament of our commitment to give the public more options so they can take control of their health,” said Danilo Chiong, Health Business Director of Watsons.

In its initial launch, Watsons Generics will offer a wide variety of over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and maintenance drugs that addresses common ailments, illnesses, and lifestyle needs of Filipinos. Watsons was a pharmacy first with over 170 years of pharmacy experience, and continues to lead the industry as Asia’s no. 1 pharmacy retail brand for five consecutive years according to Campaign Asia.