By Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu
E-Pharmacies or online medicine stores are playing a pivotal role in the accessibility of medicines and crucial pharmaceutical products in India. The growing internet penetration has propelled consumers to adopt methods of convenience in e-commerce including healthcare. Besides conventional e-commerce platforms, brick-and-mortar stores are also exploring its tremendous growth potential. Consequently, the E-Pharmacy market in India is expected to reach INR 89.47 Bn by 2027 at the current growth rate.
The ongoing discussions of restricting online pharmacies functioning will curb the forecasted industry growth and diminish the government’s prioritised values of affordable and reliable healthcare. A liberal approach while also ensuring consumer rights should be the way ahead.
E-Pharmacy an important component for digitization of healthcare
The e-pharmacy sector experienced substantial growth amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in developing countries like India. Moreover, government’s promotion of digital technology to improve drug accessibility has played a crucial role in fostering the expansion of the e-pharmacy industry.
The government’s forthcoming work on Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and hassle-free work access to an integrated digital health ecosystem aligns with the principles of online pharmacies. The government can leverage the private sector’s technology potential to strengthen its mechanism of ensuring focused intervention.
Given the escalating prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases in India and government’s efforts to address these via technology, the potential of e-pharmacies in addressing the persistent issue of medication access in the country remains noteworthy. Additional research is necessary to validate and formulate data-driven strategies to support the integration of e-pharmacies into the healthcare system, wherein industry-government collaboration will be a prerequisite.
Role in countering consumers/patients’ challenges
Despite the positive impact of healthcare initiatives such as the Jan Aushadhi scheme introduced by the Indian government, the accessibility of medicines in the public sector remains inadequate. As a result, a significant portion of the population is compelled to rely on the costlier means for their medication needs. E-Pharmacies have helped in the rightful intervention of closing this gap, breaking regional boundaries by offering its service to Tier II and III regions, and doorstep delivery of required drugs and medicines.
Keeping the consumer interests in mind, e-pharmacies also conduct a stringent check on the legitimacy and authenticity of the drugs being sold on its platform. This is also helping to counter the illicit supply of counterfeit medicines that goes unchecked in the brick-and-mortar system. According to research published by the non-profit Authentication Solutions Providers’ Association (ASPA), which promotes anti-counterfeit awareness, instances of substandard and falsified (SF) medical items increased by about 47% between 2020 and 2021. The Central Drug Standard Control Organization had also identified about 4.5% of all generic drugs in the Indian market to be substandard or counterfeit.
E-Pharmacies also take adequate measures in the scrutiny of Schedule H drugs with thorough checks on the prescriptions by medical practitioners. A digital record of such drugs being sold online will help curb the grey market affecting both the consumers and the government. This will also help tackle the challenge of the unavailability of some crucial medicines in physical stores.
Regulatory clarity is the need of the hour
With such intended benefits, e-pharmacies in India need a regulatory clarity for its further sustainability. The industry needs to be treated on par with brick and mortar pharmacies, and should be licensed though similar means under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Legalization and appropriate licensing will allow the government to regulate online vendors while also protecting consumers rights. It is also a win for the e-pharma industry as licensing under certain mandated rules can help continue their business without the constant fear of pushbacks, and of getting outrightly banned. It also suits the government’s objective, since by legalizing e-commerce pharma, the government can create a level playing field for all – retail stores and online marketplaces, while also keeping a check.
Taking global cues, In Canada, a pharmacy and its owner, including online pharmacies and their owners, have the provision of being licensed by the pharmacy regulatory authority in the specific province or territory where they operate. In Singapore again, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has established appropriate requirements for pharmacies that offer e-pharmacy services directly to patients. This approach to pharmacy services provides patients with enhanced convenience and expanded healthcare choices.
Moving forward: the growth pill for e-pharma
In conclusion, as India navigates the evolving landscape of healthcare accessibility, e-pharmacies emerge as a promising solution, catalyzing digital access to crucial pharmaceutical services. With the ever-increasing prevalence of diseases and the government’s drive toward digital healthcare transformation, these online platforms can play a pivotal role in bridging the medication access gap, particularly in Tier II and III regions.
Regulatory clarity is undeniably the need of the hour, for not only ensuring consumer safety but also fostering a level playing field for all stakeholders. Drawing inspiration from global best practices, India has the opportunity to create a robust framework that enhances convenience, choice, and quality in e-healthcare services. As we move forward, embracing e-pharmacies can be the growth pill that propels India toward a more accessible, reliable, and digitally empowered healthcare future.
(The author is a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of the FinancialExpress.com.)