The digital age has changed how we live, work, and communicate. And now, it's transforming the way we access healthcare. Online pharmacies are one such popular application of technology.
Online pharmacies are getting more traffic than offline ones. Brick-and-mortar stores are also finding their place online to get the business.
Healthcare companies are realizing this growing trend. Its obvious benefits make it a great option for both patients and doctors. Let us look at what is causing this popularity in 2023.
Reasons for the Growth of Online Pharmacy
The rise of online pharmacies has been one of the biggest healthcare industry trends in recent years. It shows no signs of slowing down.
Gone are the days of standing in long lines at your local pharmacy. You don't have to worry about shortages either. Patients can order their medicines from the comfort of their own homes.
A survey by the International Pharmaceutical Federation shows some interesting findings. According to the survey, patients are turning to digital pharmacies for different reasons.
Almost 25% say improved access is the major benefit of online pharmacies. While 23% and 10%, quote convenience and reduced cost as the benefits.
Let us look at some of the benefits.
Convenience
In today's busy world, convenience is everything.
Online pharmacies offer 24/7 access to medication. They can manage their needs conveniently. Patients can get home delivery of the medicines they need. Added to it is the access to virtual doctor visits. This saves them from moving out of the house.
Online pharmacies have made access and convenience a major attraction.
Cost-effectiveness
Online pharmacies have higher profit margins. They have lower overhead charges too. They can lower their prices without much loss. The lower costs make it a better choice than offline stores. Patients can save a lot of money purchasing online. Cost-effectiveness is a major reason why online pharmacies are booming.
Improved Access to Medication
Some medicines are hard to find. They may be available only at certain places. In another scenario, not everyone lives near pharmacies. It can be hard to go out and get it. Especially so if the person is medically ill and can't move. All of these issues can be solved by online pharma. They can get the medicine wherever the patient is. The patient need not worry about traveling great distances to find rare medicines. Improved access is another reason why everyone chooses online over offline pharma.
Enhanced Privacy and Security
Online pharmacies provide a level of security and privacy. The digital information of the patient is secure in online channels. It can also improve privacy. Patients may have issues with going out to get medicine on their own. It may be social stigma or other concerns. Either way, an online pharmacy gives them privacy from prying eyes. This builds trust in the patient.
Customization and Personalization
Online pharma apps come with many features. It can provide personalized experiences for the patient. It can give them reminders for refills. It can even be set to recommend medicines and supplements. With access to their medical history, these apps can provide them with personalized service. It can help improve the overall patient experience. Such solutions are available with custom pharmacy software development.
Expanded Range of Medications
Online pharmacies have the advantage of access. They can source medicines from a wide range of suppliers. They may be international or local. With such an advantage, they can offer a wider range of medicines for the customer. This gives the patient more options to choose from.
Wider customer base
Unlike a brick-and-mortar store, they have a larger customer base. Since they are not limited geographically, they will have higher business possibilities. It also gives them more success than offline ones.
Summing Up
The online pharmacy industry will see a sharp rise in the future. The benefits offered by online pharmacies make them a better choice. There are more options to choose from and better convenience. Here is the detailed guide of building a online pharmacy app.
The demand for online pharma solutions is growing. Healthcare providers' partners must recognize this. With the help of custom software solutions, they can create online pharmacies that cater to the needs of the patients.
EMed Health Tech is a leading provider of online pharmacy solutions. We make custom apps with robust features. Our apps have multiple panels, high-end integrations, and an intuitive interface.
We can help streamline processes and enhance your patient experience. To learn more about EMed Healthtech and our online pharmacy services, contact us today.