E-Pharmacy in India

Introduction:

The outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic has raised the hype-up of e-pharmacy, also known as online pharmacy or internet pharmacy it is the practice of purchasing health care products, medicines online through digital platform. The widespread outbreak has made people buy medicines online effectively by not consuming time which helped people diversely.

Over the past, few years India gained significant popularity in recent years, providing convenient access to a wide range of medications and healthcare essentials.

What is E-Pharmacy in India?

In India there are many e-pharmacy platforms available which are accessible in both android and IOS users.

Here are some notable e-pharmacy platforms in India;

1.    Netmeds.com: Netmeds is a prominent online pharmacy in India that offers a comprehensive range of medicines and healthcare products. They offer fast delivery services and discounts, including up to 60% off on generics. Netmeds also offers supplementary benefits to their members, such as NMS Cash rewards, free delivery on orders above ?99, priority order processing, and free online doctor consultation.

2.    PharmEasy: PharmEasy is a leading online pharmacy and medical store in India, serving over 50 lakh customers. They operate in 1000+ cities and towns across 22,000+ pin codes, guaranteeing widespread coverage throughout the country. PharmEasy facilitates the ordering of pharmaceutical and healthcare products from registered retail pharmacies, delivering them to customers' homes. They offer a wide range of products, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications and medical equipment. PharmEasy also provides the convenience of booking diagnostic tests and health check-ups through their platform.

Benefits of E-Pharmacy in India:

There are several benefits provided to the operator under these platforms which benefits the users by giving medicinal offers & their basic needs or requirements of the specific healthcare product and also has a wide selection of products, discounted prices and the convenience of online payments.

Whereas, it is the practice of selling prescription and non-prescription medications over the internet. It offers several benefits for both pharmacies and patients. Here are some of the advantages of e-pharmacy;

• Convenience: E-pharmacy has provided huge convenience to patients by permitting them to order medications from the comfort of their homes. They can browse a wide range of products, place orders, and have them delivered to their doorstep.

• Access to a Wide Range of Medications: Especially in the phase of Covid-19 these Online pharmacies often have a larger inventory compared to traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. This means that patients can find a broader selection of medications and containing feasible healthcare products, including those that might be harder to find locally.

• Cost Savings: E-pharmacies can offer competitive pricing due to lower overhead costs compared to physical pharmacies. Patients may discover discounted prices, promotions, and special offers when purchasing medications online which can lead to cost savings for both the patients and the healthcare system.

• Accessible Information: these pharmacies often deliver detailed information about medications, including dosage instructions, potential side effects, and precautions. Patients can access this information easily and make informed decisions about their healthcare.

• Privacy and Confidentiality: it offers a discreet way to purchase medications, especially for those who may feel uncomfortable discussing their health conditions amenably. Patients can order medications online and have them delivered in discreet packaging, ensuring their privacy.

• Accessibility and Availability: Online pharmacies operate 24/7, allowing patients to access medications at any time, even outside regular pharmacy hours

• Prescription Management: It offer services to help patients manage their prescriptions as well. By such feature can enhance medication adherence and improve patient outcomes.

• Teleconsultations: Many e-pharmacies provide teleconsultation services, allowing patients to consult with healthcare professionals remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for minor ailments or seeking advice on medication usage. Teleconsultations save time and provide convenient access to healthcare expertise.

• Reduced Waiting Time: Traditional pharmacies can sometimes have long queues, leading to waiting times for patients. E-pharmacy eliminates the need to wait in line, as patients can quickly place their orders and have them delivered without delay.

Comparison of Online pharmacy and offline pharmacy:

War of pharmacy – online vs. offline;

Factors of E-Pharmacy:

• Unorganized nature of traditional pharma retail: The outmoded pharma retail sector in India is particularly unorganized, with multiple retailers at numerous locations. This leads to challenges such as the sale of substandard and counterfeit drugs, price wars among retailers, and limited availability of drugs. E-pharmacies provide a solution to these issues by offering a highly organized online platform for purchasing drugs

• Governmental support:  Government support: The Indian government has recognized the importance of e-pharmacy, especially during the Pandemic-19 period, and has listed them as an important service. Initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janauushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), Digital India, Ayushman Bharat, Startup India and National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) have been taken to encourage and facilitate the growth of the online pharmacy segment

• Price and convenience Offer: Electronic stores are genuine and licensed controls drugs, offers a wide range of drugs that are safe for consumption and at affordable prices. It provides easier access through e-pharmacies, online platforms, home delivery and better digital payments by eliminating middlemen and offering discounts.

• Increased demand and use of medicines: With the large population in India, there is a high demand for drugs. E-pharmacies provide a convenient and easy-to-use platform for ordering medicines without going to the doctor in person.

Research behind the growth of E-Pharmacy industry in India:

Over the pandemic times E-pharmacy platform has grown immensely the reason behind the growth are;

• Value and Affordability: E-pharmacies can offer a wide variety of drugs at affordable prices by eliminating middlemen and reducing overhead costs.

• Governmental Support: The Indian government has recognized the importance of e-pharmacies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. E-pharmacies were classified as an essential service and promoted on platforms like the Aarogya Setu App. Initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), Digital India, Ayushman Bharat, Startup India, and National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) have been undertaken to boost the growth and ease of doing business in the online pharmacy segment.

• Convenience and Accessibility: E-pharmacies offer the convenience of purchasing medicines from the comfort of one's home or office.

• Unorganized Nature of Traditional Pharmacy Retail: The traditional pharmacy retail sector in India is highly unorganized, with multiple retailers scattered across various locations. This poses challenges such as the sale of substandard and counterfeit drugs, price wars among retailers, and limited availability of medicines. E-pharmacies bring organization to the sector by providing a highly organized online platform, ensuring the availability of genuine and authorized drugs.

Therefore, these factors have contributed the growth of e-pharmacy in India, making it a promising sector in the country's pharma retail landscape. 

Challenges of the E-Pharmacy Industry in India:

Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the sustained growth and success of the e-pharmacy sector in India;

1.    Competition and Market Consolidation: The e-pharmacy market in India has seen significant growth, leading to increased competition among players. Market consolidation and the emergence of dominant players can pose challenges for smaller e-pharmacies in terms of market share and profitability.

2.    Supply Chain Management: Efficient supply chain management is crucial for e-pharmacies to ensure timely delivery of medicines to customers.

3.    Consumer Awareness and Trust: Building trust among consumers is crucial for the success of e-pharmacies. Many consumers may still have concerns about the authenticity and quality of medicines purchased online. E-pharmacies need to educate consumers about the benefits and safety measures in place to address these concerns and ensure a trustworthy experience.

4.    Internet Penetration and Digital Divide: While internet penetration has been increasing in India, there are still challenges in terms of accessibility and connectivity, especially in rural areas. Limited access to the internet can hinder the growth and adoption of e-pharmacies in certain regions.

Key highlights of the E-Pharmacy guidelines:

Some key highlights of the e-pharmacy industry are:

• Market Growth: The e-pharmacy market has witnessed substantial growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.8% over the forecast period from 2018 to 2028

• Benefits and Convenience: E-pharmacies offer several advantages to consumers, including convenience, accessibility, and potential cost savings. Online platforms provide 24/7 availability, easy ordering, doorstep delivery, and the ability to compare prices and product information. This convenience has become increasingly important to consumers, driving the demand for e-pharmacy services.

• Regulatory Challenges: The growth of the e-pharmacy industry has raised regulatory challenges. The expansion of uncertified e-pharmacies and the distribution of counterfeit products have become concerns. Governments and regulatory bodies are working to address these challenges and establish guidelines to ensure the safety and authenticity of online pharmacy services.

CONCLUSION-

The Health Authority (HSA) established the rules for pharmacies to provide firefighting electricity directly to patients in order to make pharmacies more convenient for patients. This new pharmacy service model can provide patients with greater convenience and a variety of treatment options. E-pharmacy is a pharmacy service model used to provide more convenient medicine to customers and therefore better service to patients by using technology. This new pharmacy service model is offered from a licensed pharmacy in India via a secure online website. Prescriptions are sent electronically from the qualified physician or coordinating physician to the qualified pharmacist via an electronic closed loop.

Qualified pharmacists process prescriptions electronically and conduct remote consultations as needed. Medicines are delivered directly to the patient who does not prefer to go to a pharmacy operating in the real place to get their medicine.

Author:

Pratiksha Bhagat
Raipur
Kalinga University, BALL.B 4th Year