Implementation of E-pharmacy in India – Facilitators, barriers, and its potential impact on cost, quality, and access to medicines: A scoping review (Preprint)

Abstract

E-pharmacy can potentially solve problems related to the quality of services and products, cost and access to medicines in low and middle-income countries. The present review aims to understand the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of E-pharmacy in India.

The present scoping review was undertaken (i) to understand the facilitators and barriers for use of E-pharmacy in India and (ii) to estimate the potential for E-Pharmacy in India for improving access to medication, improving the quality of services and medicines, and decreasing costs of medications

All published and grey literature from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2021, relating to E-pharmacy, was searched from Medline, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google using a systematic search strategy.

In total, 1464 titles and abstracts were screened of which 47 full texts were included in the review. E-pharmacy can potentially improve access to medications for remote areas, and old and debilitated individuals. E-pharmacies can enable lean supply chain management, lower cost, and allow easy tracking of dispensed medicines. There is potential for integration of E-pharmacy services into the national program of Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana. However, the country is not adequately regulated to prevent the growth of illicit pharmacies. Lack of global accreditation and internet coverage, digital literacy, and transnational access are other challenges.

E-pharmacy has the potential to improve universal health coverage in India by improving access to medicines and lowering the overall cost of healthcare. However, future growth will need specific regulations and accreditation mechanisms.

Protocol registered on Open Science Forum https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6R9YQ