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Is traditional pharmacy still superior than online pharmacy?

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The most important luxury developed by human in 21st century is home delivery of anything. A man has evolved a lot but at the same time he is going into the idle state of lifestyle. Though it's a good thing actually to make the life easier, it can't be true for all of the products we use. Especially the things which deals with human life can't be ignored easily.


It is the coolesst thing nowadays to order online. In metro and mega cities the culture is developed already to the food dishes and now it's entering into the small towns too. It's not a hazardous thing to stop someone using online delivery services. But when it's a matter of medicine, It surely needs some attention.


Over the years, the way people purchase medicines has evolved significantly. The advent of technology has given birth to the concept of online pharmacies, which has revolutionized the traditional pharmacy industry. Online pharmacies, also known as e-pharmacies, allow customers to order medicines online and get them delivered to their doorstep. However, despite the growing popularity of online pharmacies, some people still prefer to purchase their medicines from offline pharmacy store. In this blog, let's discuss these things with some significant points.


Convenience: 


One of the biggest advantages of an online pharmacy is convenience. You can order medicines from the comfort of your home without having to step out. This is particularly beneficial for people who are unable to visit a pharmacy due to health or mobility issues.


Range of Products: 


Traditional pharmacies may not stock certain medications due to space constraints or other factors. Online pharmacies offer a wide range of products that may not be available in a traditional pharmacy. Moreover, you can easily compare prices and choose the best deal.


But wait wait wait. Does only price tag matter to choose a right medicine deal for you? 


Confidentiality: 


Online pharmacies offer complete privacy and confidentiality. This is especially beneficial for people who may feel embarrassed to purchase certain products in person.


That's the finest point I've noticed for the online pharmacy especially for the products of family planning.


Availability: 


Online pharmacies are available round the clock, which means you can place an order at any time. But at the same time it's a declared truth that you won't get your product immediately in urgency. Only your neighborhood medical shop can provide you the urgent OTC requirement.


Unlike online pharmacies, traditional pharmacies offer the advantage of immediate access to the medication without having to wait for delivery. Though some traditional pharmacies have limited operating hours, which may not be convenient for everyone, some pharmacies run 24 by 7.


Delivery times may vary depending on the location of the pharmacy and the shipping options available in case of online order.


Suppose you are out of your antihypertensive tablets and your delivery is just 24 hours late, it is very hazardous for you to skip a single dose in some cases and it may complicate the co-morbidities. 


Security Concerns: 


There are concerns about the safety and authenticity of online pharmacies, and it is essential to ensure that the online pharmacy you are using is legitimate. Though there are some well known supplies in the market, there is always a chance of technical glitch in the system or at the point of delivery and you can't differentiate it without an expert pharmacist.


The biggest problem nowadays arises with online delivery system is product mismatch. It can also happen to pharmacy products. Mismatched medicine is not just a common mistake but a life threatening mistake. This most dangerous drawback side must be considered before choosing online pharmacy.


Personal Interaction: 


Traditional pharmacies offer the advantage of face-to-face interaction between the customer and the pharmacist. This allows the patients to clarify their doubts.


Unlike traditional pharmacies, online pharmacies lack the personal interaction between the pharmacist and the customer. This can lead to a lack of clarity regarding the dosage, side effects, and interactions of the medication. 


In this case the offline pharmacy is the best one to choose. In online market there is no face to ask for any query. Medicine isn't a product of any non medico delivery boy who can explain us. The common consultations for patients are easily accessible from the pharmacist on medical shop. It also reduces the cost and time at doctor's doorstep in common illness. 


Prices: 


Traditional pharmacies may charge higher prices due to the overhead costs involved. In this case online pharmacy may offer you sometime a fair deal.


But again in case of medicine price is not a single factor to decide unlike groceries.


One more irritating part of online purchasing is the suggestions from online advertising. Sometimes it offers discount for the things which we actually don't want. It's hilarious when you buy antihypertensive medicines and they offer an BP instrument in a scheme. The same thing happens with antidiabetic medicines and they offer glucometer by cost cutting. Unfortunately pharmacy is the profession of helathcare but simultaneously the matter of a huge business and wherever the business there over always such marketing gimmicks. 



In conclusion, both online and offline pharmacies have their advantages and disadvantages. While online pharmacies offer convenience and a wider range of products, traditional pharmacies offer personal interaction and immediate availability. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the individual's needs and preferences. It is important to ensure that the pharmacy you choose is legitimate, safe, and trustworthy. Online pharmacy is in news recently and suffering from some serious allegations of laws and some lack of necessary frameworks of this business. In May and November 2019, the Drug Controller General of India, DCGI sent notices for action and compliance to state drug controllers quoting a December 2018 Delhi High Court order that restrained e-pharmacies from selling medicines without licences. Now in February 2023, DCGI asked online pharmacies to explain why action should not be taken against them for the sale and distribution in contravention of the law. Let's hope for restructuring the existing acts and making the pharmacist a centre of this chain for the betterment of the consumers.


Final Funda: An online medicine delivery boy was suffering from headache so he went to a medical shop nearby him and asked for the medicine.  



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  1. AnonymousMarch 18, 2023 at 2:21 AM

    needful article to alert public 👍👌

    ReplyDelete

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