Having recently moved to Spain, I needed to buy some things for a minor ailment and discovered that the channels for purchasing medical supplies here are quite different from what I was used to back in China. Unlike pharmacies there that sell almost everything, things are more specialized here. Today, I’ll share a few companies and purchasing channels I’ve learned about as a reference for fellow newcomers. Experienced folks are also welcome to add their suggestions!
First, it’s important to understand two concepts: Farmacia and Parafarmacia. Simply put, a Farmacia is what we’d consider a ‘pharmacy,’ identified by its green cross sign. It can sell both prescription and over-the-counter drugs and must have a licensed pharmacist on duty. A Parafarmacia, on the other hand, is more like a health and wellness store, selling non-prescription items, supplements, mother & baby products, skincare, etc. They absolutely do not sell prescription drugs. So, for minor ailments, a Parafarmacia is often sufficient, offering a wider selection. It’s also a good place to start when considering medical supply prices.
Online Purchasing Channels
With the convenience of online shopping, it’s my first choice for buying these items. You can compare prices, and delivery is fast. I’ve had good experiences with two companies:
- PromoFarma: This is arguably one of Spain’s largest online Parafarmacias. Their product range is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything from dermo-cosmetics and supplements to simple medical devices. They often have discounts, their app is well-designed, and ordering is very convenient. I bought Vitamin D and face masks from them last time and had a great experience.
- DosFarma: Similar to PromoFarma, this is another large online health product marketplace. It’s a good idea to compare prices between the two and see which one is running a promotion. Sometimes you might find niche European dermo-cosmetic brands on one but not the other.
Offline Retailers and Major Suppliers
For more specialized or urgent needs, buying offline is still the most reliable option. Besides the Farmacias you can find on almost every corner, I’ve also learned about some major upstream companies. Although we as regular consumers don’t deal with them directly, it doesn’t hurt to know about them and how to do a drug price check.
- Cofares: This company is a giant in the Spanish pharmaceutical distribution sector, primarily supplying pharmacies. Many of the medicines we buy at a Farmacia are distributed through them. Although we can’t buy directly from Cofares, knowing the name reassures you of the professionalism of Spain’s pharmaceutical supply chain, which provides some peace of mind.
- Werfen: This company focuses more on specialized medical diagnostic equipment and reagents, like the high-tech instruments used in hospital laboratories. The average person will rarely encounter them, but for friends working in the medical field, this name should be familiar.
I’ve put together a simple table about essential Spanish medical supplies to help everyone quickly understand what to buy from different channels. If you have other good channels to recommend, please feel free to share them in the comments below!
Quick Comparison of Purchasing Channels
| Channel Name | Main Products Sold | Buying Advice |
|---|
| Farmacia | Prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, some supplements | Purchase prescription drugs only with a doctor’s prescription, or for urgent medication needs. |
| Parafarmacia | Supplements, mother & baby products, dermo-cosmetics, simple medical devices | First choice for daily health, skincare, and non-urgent situations. |
| Major Distributors | All types of medicines and medical products | Not available for direct purchase by consumers |
