Last Updated on January 2, 2023 by The Health Master
by Arjun Deshpande
Due to this significant shift in purchasing behavior, e-pharmacies have developed as a potential sector. They have managed to provide the ease of buying from the comfort of one’s own home.
But does this mean the end of an era of physical pharmacies? No, this does seem like a far-fetched reality. For more than two decades, the concept of online pharmacies and online drug sales has been a little vague worldwide.
Though after two years of the pandemic, online pharmacies immediately gained organic traction, they still aren’t a perfect alternative to offline or physical pharmacies.
The opportunity for a face-to-face connection with a pharmacist they trust is a big motivator for individuals to visit their local pharmacies.
Also read: EU approves smallpox vaccine for use against monkeypox
Customers trust traditional retail pharmacies because of their established reputations and physical locations.
Neighborhood pharmacies have earned this level of trust and confidence over the years and are something that cannot be replaced with online pharmacies in a few years.
Benefits offered by conventional pharmacy
A third of urban Indians (32%) say they use an online pharmacy or buy from an online health platform on a regular basis. Almost as many (31%) claimed they did during the pandemic but no longer do so.
Only authorized pharmacists under Drug & Cosmetic law in India can provide medicines to patients at an offline store.
So, let’s try to understand the various benefits that a physical pharmacy offers that still attract customers:
- The pharmacist verifies the legality,
- Stability,
- Correctness of the prescription order,
- Sometimes, they even check the patient’s medication record before dispensing the prescription,
- ensuring that the medication quantities are accurately dispensed.
The pharmacist gathers and integrates information regarding the patient’s medical history, clarifies the patient’s knowledge of the intended dosage regimen and route of administration, and informs the patient of drug-related side effects.
Support for minor ailments
It is not every day that individuals run to doctors for minor ailments like coughs, colds, headaches, etc., to name a few.
Local pharmacists understand the medical needs of patients with small illnesses and can accordingly recommend medicines or direct them to a medical practitioner if the symptoms persist for more than a few days.
Quick adoption of new technology
Local pharmacies have geared up to meet the rising competition from big pharma companies by providing the same level of service to their customers.
Whether it is home delivery, online ordering at pharmacy websites, online payment, etc., local retail pharmacies have proven to be quick to meet consumer needs.
Next-door offline pharmacies will continue to have their takers.
The convenience element is one of the most crucial reasons why Indians keep returning to their neighborhood pharmacy.
This isn’t just about convenience because of proximity; it’s also about familiarity with the store’s display, product variety, and, most crucially, the pharmacist.
Qualified and well-trained pharmacists can help customers read their prescriptions, understand doses, and provide general guidance on medication use, significantly altering the customer experience.
For customers who are frequently in distress due to illness or health emergencies, their role becomes similar to that of a friend.
The large selection of products and services is the second reason why customers are increasingly choosing neighborhood retail pharmacies.
The appealing display and the accessibility to physically touching and seeing the medicine have their own advantages.
Even after the growth of online pharmacies, there is no decline in the opening of new pharmacies (offline). Pharma companies are using their franchise model to penetrate even the remote areas of India where e-pharmacies have not reached.
The intention here is not only to expand the business but also to reach every corner of the country, including Tier II and Tier III cities.
The Future of Indian Pharmacies
Though a KPMG report called E-pharmacies the future of pharma retail, offline stores will continue to hold their market in competition by adapting to the latest technology and digitization.
Let’s rewind a little back in time when major e-commerce giants were at a stand-still due to global disruption in the supply chain, local pharmacies provided unwavering assistance to their consumers throughout India, whether it was oximeters or thermometers during devastating COVID-19 outbreaks in cities, small towns, and even Tier I cities.
The key here is to adapt to the new technology and services that online and e-pharmacies are providing. That includes but is not limited to ordering via app or centralized number, home delivery, customer discounts, offers, etc.
Though Indian consumers’ preferences are evolving, the traditional brick-and-mortar model of offline pharmacy will continue to flourish with continuous digital adaptation.
Finally, it’s important to note how the modern-day neighborhood pharmacy has mastered physical and internet business strategies.
Both models are now complementary; a hybrid or omnichannel presence allows pharmacies to service a larger geographic area and helps them create stronger relationships with loyal clients.
The future of Indian pharmacies will see a combination of online and offline models seamlessly integrated for a better customer experience.
Arjun Deshpande, Founder, Generic Aadhaar
(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and The Health Master does not necessarily subscribe to it. The Health Master shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organization directly or indirectly.)
USFDA issues Form 483 for six observations to Granules Pharma
USFDA gives approval for this tablet to treat High BP
No extension in deadline for registration of Medical Devices
Drug recall: Sun Pharma, Glenmark recall products due to these manufacturing issues
Govt plans to reduce the prices of critical drugs on August 15
NDPS: Inter-state drug racket busted – Huge stock including Alprazolam, Buprenorphine seized
NPPA fixed ceiling prices of 890 formulations and retail price of 2023 new drugs: Govt
NMC directs State Medical Councils to take action against Quacks
FDA Haryana team raided, Codeine syrup recovered, FIR lodged
Latest Notifications regarding Pharmaceuticals
For informative videos by The Health Master, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on Medical Store / Pharmacy, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on the news regarding Pharma / Medical Devices / Cosmetics / Homoeopathy etc., click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on consumer awareness, click on the below YouTube icon:
