Emerging trends in online pharmacies: What 2025 could hold fordigital healthcare
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In India, where over 6 lakh pharmacies operate, the traditional model thrives on mutual trust and familiarity between customers and their neighbourhood chemists. However, e-pharmacies have entered the scene, offering the same trust but with added savings and convenience. The pandemic acted as a catalyst for this growth, with e-pharmacies experiencing a surge in demand as consumers embraced digital solutions.
As we look toward the future, three major trends stand out: quick commerce, generic medicines, and omnichannel strategies. But the real game-changer will be the creation of a truly integrated digital healthcare ecosystem—one that serves everyone, from the healthy to the seriously ill.
Quick commerce is making medicines more accessible
The concept of quick commerce, fuelled by dark stores, is expanding rapidly, with medicines as the next big frontier. Initially, e-pharmacies catered to chronic patients who could plan their monthly refills. Meanwhile, acute patients relied on local chemists for immediate needs. This dynamic is changing as quick commerce steps in, promising near-instant delivery of medications.
However, there are challenges. Fulfilment logistics in medicines are far more complex than in other categories. Prescription validation, storage of thousands of SKUs, and the presence of registered pharmacists are critical hurdles.
