In rural Odisha, a family was struggling to provide essential medication for their child suffering from a rare genetic disorder because of the lack of availability of super speciality pharmacies in the nearby areas. Unfortunately, this is a common challenge in many parts of India, where healthcare and access to critical medicines are scarce.
However, the emergence of online pharmacies that specialise in delivering critical medication is changing the landscape. These pharmacies are ensuring that life-saving drugs reach those in need, regardless of geographical barriers. For example, in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand, an elderly patient suffering from cancer is no longer required to travel long distances for medication due to the efficient operations undertaken by online pharmacies.
The process of delivering medicines is a challenging one. It involves maintaining a cold chain for temperature-sensitive drugs, overcoming rugged terrains, and ensuring timely delivery to remote villages. This requires a combination of innovation, commitment, and strategic planning.
Pharmacies have started using specialised packaging to maintain the required temperature for medicines that need temperature control. Medical institutions are now using drones and partnering with local health workers to solve logistical issues and deliver life-saving medicines to the most remote parts of the country, especially in rural India.
The impact of online pharmacies is remarkable and can be quantified. Statistics reveal a significant increase in the number of remote villages and towns that now regularly receive medical supplies due to the last-mile logistical services provided by these pharmacies. This has resulted in critical medications reaching thousands of previously underserved locations across India, which is a significant milestone towards achieving healthcare equity.India’s governance is also playing its part in bringing equality in health care with supportive policy formation aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, encouraging the use of technology in healthcare delivery, and facilitating the distribution of medicines in remote areas are vital. Both public and private players are utilising advanced inventory management systems, GPS-enabled logistics for tracking deliveries, and user-friendly mobile applications to provide reliable, efficient, and accessible services to the diverse patient population.
Expanding delivery networks and incorporating advanced technologies like AI for predictive analytics in medicine, along with enhanced government support, are set to redefine the healthcare landscape in India in the coming years.
India’s innovative healthcare approach combines technology, logistics, and supportive policies, providing valuable insights for other nations. The ongoing transformation aims to ensure every citizen’s fundamental right to healthcare, delivering hope, health, and a better life to all corners of the country. By 2024, India strives to be more inclusive, efficient, and equitable in healthcare.
The writer is co-founder of MrMed.
