The Rise of On-Demand Pharmacy Delivery Services: Trends and Challenges

What’s Trending in Online Pharmacy Delivery?

Let’s talk about the latest buzz in online medicine delivery! As more and more people around the world embrace technology in their daily lives and prioritise convenience, online medicine delivery apps are becoming the go-to option for getting medications and health products. This surge in popularity has led to some exciting trends taking shape within the industry.

What is the Growth in Annual Spending on Medicines?

Over the years, the amount spent on medicines has been steadily climbing upwards, thanks to the convenience of purchasing medications right from our smartphones, all from the comfort of our homes. A recent finding by Statista in 2023 revealed that global spending on medicines reached a whopping $1.5 trillion in 2022, a significant jump from $887 billion back in 2010. And the forecast? It’s projected to hit $1.9 trillion by 2027!

This surge in spending isn’t just a coincidence. Online medicine delivery apps have been witnessing a surge in orders, perfectly aligning with the rise in medical expenses. Why? Well, it’s all about accessibility and convenience. With technology at our fingertips and the luxury of doorstep delivery, more and more people are opting to shop for their medications online.

And let’s not forget the cherry on top – those irresistible discounts! Many online pharmacies are enticing customers with hefty savings, drawing them away from traditional brick-and-mortar stores. After all, who doesn’t love a good deal? It’s no wonder businesses are flocking to cater to this growing demand for on-demand pharmacy services.

How Are Elders Embracing Medicine Apps?

Speaking of how our elders are embracing technology! A recent survey by the Pew Research Center revealed some fascinating insights. In January 2022, a whopping 83% of adults aged 50 to 64 in the USA owned smartphones, up from just 34% a decade ago. Even among those aged 65 and above, 61% now own smartphones, a remarkable increase from a mere 13% reported ten years ago.

This surge in smartphone ownership among seniors is transforming their shopping habits, especially when it comes to their daily medication needs. Gone are the days of relying on someone else to pick up prescriptions from the local pharmacy. Today, more and more seniors are turning to online shopping to meet their healthcare needs. As our elderly population becomes increasingly tech-savvy, it’s heartwarming to see them embracing technology to make their lives easier and more convenient.

Challenges Faced By Online Pharmacy Delivery Industry

Let’s delve into the challenged faced by the Online medicine delivery apps and understand how they affect both providers and patients:

1. Trust Issues with Unlicensed Pharmacies: As online pharmacies gain popularity, unlicensed ones join the fray, aiming for quick profits. Unfortunately, these unlicensed players tarnish the reputation of genuine providers, leading to mistrust among patients. Negative experiences have left patients hesitant to rely on online purchases for their medication needs, fearing the authenticity of the products.

2. Concerns about Expired Medicine Delivery: Some patients have received expired medicines through online delivery, posing health risks. Expired medicines not only endanger patients’ health but also leave them without necessary medication. Handling expired medicines impacts the supply chain, causing delays in replacements and frustrating everyone involved.

3. Lack of Standardised Practices: The online pharmacy industry lacks clear standards, discouraging many from using its services. This absence of norms hampers the industry’s growth potential, as consumers hesitate to engage without established regulations.

Best Pharmacy Apps Trending in 2024 In India

1. Truemeds: This online pharmacy app is here to revolutionise your healthcare experience with cost savings. It offers a range of generic medications to make managing your healthcare easier and more affordable. From ordering medicines to accessing health products, Truemeds ensures you get what you need with ease and efficiency.
2. 1 mg : 1mg is a top-notch healthcare app designed to improve your well-being. With 1mg, you can effortlessly order medicines and health products from licensed pharmacies, delivered right to your doorstep. Need medical advice? Chat with qualified doctors for free, and schedule lab tests online with hassle-free home sample collection and digital reports.
3. PharmEasy: This medicine app focuses on making your healthcare experience smooth and efficient. Order what you need and get it delivered to your door. You can also book lab tests online, take advantage of home sample collection, and find the nearest collection centre easily. Plus, enjoy a flat 27% off on your first three medicine orders.
4. Netmeds: This app is your go-to online pharmacy for more than just medicines. Discover a variety of OTC products, wellness items, vitamins, fitness supplements, herbal products, and more. It’s a one-stop-shop for diabetic care, baby and mother care, beauty, and surgical supplies. Plus, enjoy a flat 20% off on all medicines.
5. Apollo Pharmacy: This app has always provided genuine medicines 24/7. Now, they’re making life even easier by delivering medicines straight to your door, eliminating the need to step out, stand in long queues, or worry about authenticity.

How We Chose the Best Online Medical Apps

When ordering medicines online, it’s crucial to prioritise your health and safety. Here are six tips to guide you through the process:

1. Choose pharmacies that prioritise your well-being by requiring a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. This ensures you receive genuine medications and avoid counterfeit products that could harm your health.

2. Go for pharmacies that source their medications from reputable pharmaceutical manufacturers and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for quality assurance. Your health deserves nothing less than the best.

3. Read the experiences of others by checking customer feedback and reviews. This valuable insight can help you assess the reliability and service quality of the pharmacy before making a decision.

4. Ensure transparency in pricing and deals offered by the pharmacy. Genuine pharmacies will have fair return policies and accessible customer support to assist you throughout your shopping experience.

5. Verify the pharmacy’s legitimacy by checking for licenses and regulations from recognised authorities like the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) or state pharmacy boards. Legitimate pharmacies will proudly display this information on their website.

6. Double-check the pharmacy’s credentials, including its physical address, contact information, and certifications. This extra step ensures you’re dealing with a trustworthy provider who prioritises your health and safety above all else.

By following these tips, you can confidently order medicines online, knowing you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.